Riding a season-high four-game winning streak, the Buffalo Sabres aim to carry their momentum into the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off with another victory as they visit the struggling Nashville Predators.
One of Buffalo’s recent wins came against Nashville on January 31. A win on Saturday would mark their first five-game streak since January 19–26, 2023.
“Every day and every win matters, and we’re building momentum right now,” said forward Tage Thompson. “Saturday’s a big game to keep that going into the break. Confidence is high, things are clicking—we just need to stay consistent.”
Thompson, the Sabres’ leading scorer with 26 goals and 48 points in 47 games, is expected to return after missing Tuesday’s 3-2 win over Columbus due to a concussion from a high hit by New Jersey’s Stefan Noesen. Thompson has been on a roll, with eight points (four goals, four assists) in his last three games and 14 points in his past nine.
Since shifting to right wing in January, due to an injury affecting his play at center, Thompson has thrived alongside rookie Jiri Kulich and JJ Peterka.
“He’s scoring more, and that stands out,” said coach Lindy Ruff. “Playing with those guys has helped him. It’s reduced his defensive load, letting him use his speed and get up the ice quicker.”
Buffalo also expects to have goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and center Dylan Cozens back. Luukkonen missed Tuesday’s game with a lower-body injury, while Cozens also sat out practice with a similar issue.
Meanwhile, the Predators are mired in a six-game losing streak, most recently falling 6-2 to the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday. This slump follows a strong 7-2-0 stretch.
“It’s been a frustrating stretch—and honestly, a frustrating year,” said coach Andrew Brunette. “We need to show character. One game left before the break—let’s play our best and regroup.”
Offensive struggles have plagued Nashville, ranking 31st in the NHL with 2.58 goals per game, while allowing 3.30 goals against per game, seventh worst in the league. They’ve been outscored 26-10 during their skid.
“We’ve got one more chance before the break,” said captain Roman Josi. “We need to rediscover our identity.”
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