Tage Thompson and the Buffalo Sabres take the ice against the Chicago Blackhawks on Game 81 Tuesday night with more than a routine late-season game at stake. Puck drop is set for 7:30 PM ET at United Center in Chicago, and Buffalo can clinch home ice in the first round while also still holding a chance to lock up the division.
The Sabres enter at 49-23-8, with Chicago sitting at 28-38-14 and last in its division by 10 points. Buffalo has already secured a playoff berth and is close to locking down home-ice advantage, but this night gives it a final push toward a stronger postseason setup.
The numbers point to a matchup that tilts toward Buffalo. The Blackhawks are 28th on the power play at 17.5%, while the Sabres sit 18th at 19.9%. Chicago has been far better on the penalty kill, ranking second at 83.6%, with Buffalo sixth at 81.6%.
That is why Buffalo would be wise to roll all lines against Chicago and spread the ice time around. The Sabres should be able to manage the workload and keep everyone fresh and ready for the playoffs, especially with a postseason run already secured and bigger games ahead.
Chicago, meanwhile, has little left to lose. The Blackhawks are buried at the bottom of their division and playing out the stretch, which leaves Buffalo with a chance to control the night and leave Chicago with another result that reinforces where both teams stand at this point in the season.
