Sabres vs. Lightning: Game Day Preview

The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to face off against the Buffalo Sabres for the second time this season on Saturday night at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. This promises to be an exciting contest between two Eastern Conference rivals. Here’s everything you need to know before the puck drops.

Match Details

• When: Saturday, February 28 – 7:00 PM ET
• Where: Benchmark International Arena – Tampa, FL
• TV Coverage: The Spot – Tampa Bay 66 (check local listings)
• Radio Coverage: 102.5 MHz-FM, Lightning Radio 24/7
• Stream: TampaBayLightning.com/StreamNow

Projected Lineups (Subject to Change)

Forwards

• Gage Goncalves – Brayden Point – Nikita Kucherov
• Brandon Hagel – Jake Guentzel – Oliver Bjorkstrand
• Zemgus Girgensons – Yanni Gourde – Pontus Holmberg
• Dominic James – Scott Sabourin

Defensemen

• JJ Moser – Darren Raddysh
• Ryan McDonagh – Erik Cernak
• Victor Hedman – Charle-Edouard D’Astous
• Declan Carlile

Goaltenders

• Jonas Johansson
• Andrei Vasilevskiy

Season Series & Head-to-Head Stats

Tampa Bay currently holds a 1-0-0 record against the Sabres this season, securing a 4-3 overtime victory on February 3rd. Nikita Kucherov led the charge in that game with an impressive 1-3—4 performance, supported by two-point nights from Darren Raddysh (1-1—2) and Jake Guentzel (1-1—2). Andrei Vasilevskiy was stellar in net, stopping 23 of 26 shots for a .885 save percentage.

Looking at the all-time record, the Lightning are 54-50-17 against Buffalo, with a 27-25-10 record at home. Nikita Kucherov is the Lightning’s all-time leading scorer against the Sabres, boasting 20 goals and 32 assists for 52 points in 40 games. Victor Hedman isn’t far behind with 8 goals and 22 assists for 30 points in 58 games. Vasilevskiy has a strong record against Buffalo, going 14-2-3 with a .912 save percentage and two shutouts. Jonas Johansson also has a solid history against the Sabres, with a 2-0-2 record and a .917 save percentage.

Tampa Bay Sports Item of the Game

Show your support by grabbing the Levelwear 3rd Jersey Player Tee! Available at Benchmark International Arena and online at TampaBaySports.com, while supplies last.

Looking Ahead: The Road Ahead for the Lightning

• Tuesday, March 3 at Minnesota Wild
• Thursday, March 5 at Winnipeg Jets
• Saturday, March 7 at Toronto Maple Leafs

Don’t miss the action as the Lightning continue their quest for playoff contention! Stay tuned to NHL.com for the latest updates and scores.