The Boston Bruins should not take the struggling Buffalo Sabres lightly for their first divisional battle of the young season.
The Boston Bruins – Buffalo Sabres rivalry is arguably the most underrated in the league. Bad blood has built through years and years of hard divisional battles. Remember when Milan Lucic barreled into Ryan Miller?
Both teams are very different with the infusion of younger players. However, the animosity has spilled over to the new generation. For example, see the hit that knocked David Backes out with a concussion last season and the ensuing Adam McQuaid fight.
The Sabres hold a .502 all-time winning percentage against the Bs, so there is no reason to believe history is on the Bruins’ side. The banged up Bs will need to earn two points tonight against the Sabres. Despite their early struggles, the Sabres aim to prove themselves to not be a pushover.
Where to watch and listen
When & Where: 7:00pm EST at TD Garden, Boston
Watch: NESN, MSG-B
Listen: 98.5 The Sports Hub
What to know
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The start to the season has been far from ideal for the Bruins. Plagued by continuous injuries to key players, the Bs have stumbled while trying to find their footing. However, all is not lost as the Bs are blessed with a relatively weak schedule after winning their opening night test against the Predators.
The Bruins and their fans should put the lackluster start behind them. The team has another chance for redemption in their first divisional game today. After the return of Bergeron and Backes, there appears to be a feeling of a fresh start. The team currently sits at .500 on the season, with a 3-3-0 record.
The Bs can’t rely on four points a game from Bergy, He was dominant in his first game of the season, but his importance to the team extends well beyond his stat line. If the Bruins’ continue their inspired play, they may find themselves with a winning record despite their misfortunes.
Keys for the Bs
- Can Khudobin keep it up? Khudobin is undefeated in his 2 starts this season against the lowly Coyotes and Canucks. Tuukka Rask is still sidelined with a concussion. The Bruins will count on Khudobin to continue his solid performances for them to stay above water without Tuukka.
- Will the Bs extinguish the hot hands of Jack Eichel and Evander Kane? Although the Sabres are struggling, these two are among the top point getters in the league and can create problems for the Bruins’ defense. Eichel is a North Chelmsford native and won the Hobey Baker Award after one year at Boston University, so he always brings his game against the Bs, especially at the Garden. He can be lethal when he gets going.
- Can the Bruins’ defense shutdown the Sabres’ top guns without McQuaid and possibly Kevan Miller who is a game-time decision? Little is known of Paul Postma here in Boston, but he will have the chance to introduce himself tonight at the Garden and he may have a heavy load to carry. Rob O’Gara was recalled from Providence on emergency basis.
- Can the offense find consistency? Let’s hope the revitalization that Bergeron and Backes sparked on offense continues tonight. Anders Bjork definitely looked more comfortable on the top-line supported by Bergeron as Bjork netted two goals against the Canucks. The rest of the offense appeared more balanced as Backes stepped into his second line spot. However, Krejci is also a game-time decision, which may result in a shakeup just as the offense hit it’s stride.
- Tim Schaller stepping up. Gotta love a good mustache – Schaller brings that and more. His two goals in 6 games doesn’t tell the whole story. He, like Bergeron, is worth more than his stat line. He proved this in the last game, when he was quick to drop the gloves in response to a dirty hit on Vatrano by the heavyweight Gudbranson. Schaller began his career in Buffalo where he had two goals in 35 games. He will certainly be working hard to prove his worth against his old team. Schaller does this on a nightly basis. His jam could make a difference if the Bruins serve their sometimes tasteless burnt toast on offense tonight.