Sabres vs Oilers predictions
When it comes to the Buffalo Sabres, the absence of star center Tage Thompson certainly raises eyebrows. With 22 goals and a commanding presence on the ice, he's clearly a crucial piece of the puzzle. Imagine how differently the Sabres might perform with Thompson leading the charge. The weight of carrying the team's offensive spark will likely fall on the shoulders of other key players, such as Rasmus Dahlin, who, despite his current injury status, has been a major force with 28 assists this season. Undoubtedly, the Sabres will need other skaters to step up against the Edmonton Oilers if they're going to stand a chance.
On the flip side of the rink, the Edmonton Oilers are looking like a lean, mean scoring machine. With Leon Draisaitl lighting up the scoreboard with 35 goals and Connor McDavid stacking a whopping 45 assists, the Oilers don’t seem too phased by McDavid's current suspension. With Draisaitl's 74 points paving the way, there's a real sense that the team can find the back of the net even when key players aren't suited up. You've got to imagine the game plan is simple for them: let Draisaitl do what he does best and capitalize on Buffalo's vulnerabilities.
So, who takes the cake in this matchup? Considering the Sabres are without Thompson and Dahlin, it puts them on a rocky road. In contrast, the Oilers, who possess a stellar record at Rogers Place and maintain formidable depth beyond just their superstar skaters, have built momentum. Overall, you'd think the scales tip in favor of Edmonton on this one. Given their current form and the challenges facing Buffalo, the Oilers could very well walk away victorious. What do you think---do the Sabres have an upset up their sleeve, or is this Edmonton's game to lose?
