Penguins vs. Sabres: Game 22 Preview, Lineups, Goalies & Viewing Guide
The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to face the Buffalo Sabres in Game 22 of the NHL season. This matchup will take place at PPG Paints Arena, with puck drop scheduled for just after 7 p.m. The game coincides with the Penguins’ annual pre-Thanksgiving festivities, including the popular porcelain gravy boat giveaway.
Penguins’ Recent Performance
The Penguins currently hold a record of 10 wins, 6 losses, and 5 overtime losses. They have struggled to convert solid performances into wins, evidenced by their recent games. The team suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat against the Minnesota Wild, followed by a close 3-2 overtime loss to the Seattle Kraken, where stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin managed to score.
Despite these challenges, Pittsburgh’s injury situation is improving. Goalie Tristan Jarry is expected to return, and rookie Ville Koivunen will also be active for this game. Coach Dan Muse plans to activate Jarry, potentially sending rookie goalie Sergei Musharov to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
Sabres’ Season Overview
The Buffalo Sabres’ season has been marked by ups and downs. Despite a record reflecting slightly better than an average performance, trade rumors swirl around the team. Buffalo has not made the playoffs in 14 seasons. However, they have shown recent improvement, winning four out of their last five games. Their latest victory was a convincing 4-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes, where standout players like Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch excelled.
Team Lineups
Expected Penguins Lineup
- Connor Dewar – Sidney Crosby – Bryan Rust
- Kevin Hayes – Evgeni Malkin – Anthony Mantha
- Tommy Novak – Tristan Broz – Ville Koivunen
- Joona Koppanen – Blake Lizotta – Danton Heinen
Expected Sabres Lineup
- Doan – Thompson – Tuch
- Zucker – McLeod – Quinn
- Benson – Ostlund – Kozak
- Dunne – Krebs – Malenstyn
Special Teams and Notable Stats
Both teams have been effective on special teams this season. The Penguins lead the NHL with a 32.0% power play success rate and feature a strong penalty kill at 85.2%. In contrast, the Sabres stand at 17.9% on the power play and an impressive penalty kill at 87.7%.
Historical Context
Historically, the Penguins have a strong record against the Sabres. They have won 14 of their last 21 encounters. Notably, Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang lead active defenseman in points against Buffalo, further highlighting the Penguins’ edge in recent matchups.
Viewing Information
Fans can catch the game on SportsNet Pittsburgh, with radio coverage available on 105.9 The X. This highly anticipated game promises to be another thrilling chapter in the NHL season as both teams strive for improvement.
