Florida Panthers aim to stretch the winning run as Buffalo Sabres visit – NHL Preview
Whenever it seems that Buffalo Sabres will secure a playoff spot in the National Hockey League (NHL) current season, they get defeated sometimes expectedly and sometimes otherwise.
The race is still not over for Sabres and they can clinch a playoff berth, but the prerequisite remains the same: win more games.
Sabres are now going to play against Florida Panthers on Saturday, March 17, 2012, at BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise, Florida.
Panthers have 12 more games to play in the regular season are well within the safe zone with no worries about reaching the playoffs.
Let’s take a look at both teams.
Sabres
Sabres have played eight games this month and lost only three with the recent defeat coming against Colorado Avalanche.
It was a tough encounter where both Sabres and Avalanche scored two goals each in the first period. In the second period, both teams managed a goal each and the final period also saw both of them scoring one goal each.
The game was forced to overtime, which went goalless, paving the way for the shootout where Colorado scored to win the game.
Disappointed Sabres’ coach, Lindy Ruff, said after the game:
“Frustrating. You play with fire, you'll get burnt. We should have had a D in front of the net, and one of the defensemen were behind the net."
Sabres are ranked at 10th spot in the Eastern Conference with 75 points after 71 games and are three points behind the eighth-ranked Washington Capitals.
Panthers
Presently on a three-game winning streak, Panthers are ranked at third spot in the Eastern Conference with 81 points after 70 games.
The recent victories came against Carolina Hurricanes (2-0), Toronto Maple Leafs (5-2) and Boston Bruins (6-2).
All the three victories came on Panthers’ home ice and their coach, Kevin Dineen, commented after getting the third win:
"We want to play well at home to enthuse our fan base. We want to be homers, be a good home team. I think we've shown that."
Predictions
Panthers’ have been playing well on offence and defence of late and will have an upper hand against Sabres.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might exceed six.
If Sabres win, the winning margin will be two or more goals.
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