PREGAME: Blackhawks vs Sabres

PUBLICATION

Syd
March 28, 2022 (1:37 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

After a day of rest, the Chicago Blackhawks traveled back home to the United Center to host the Buffalo Sabres tonight at 7:30 p.m. CST. The Hawks are coming off of a 4-3 overtime loss against the Vegas Golden Knights, concluding their West Coast trip. Buffalo is also coming off of an overtime loss against the New York Rangers, which was played yesterday. This will be the first time the two teams meet this season.

Kirby Dach was the only active rostered player not at morning skate, nursing a non-COVID-related illness. Following morning skate, Kevin Lankinen will start in goal, and both Tyler Johnson and Philipp Kurashev will join the lineup again.

WHEN: Monday, March 28, 2022, 7:30 p.m. CST
WHERE: NBCSCH+, MSG-B, ESPN+

Blackhawks Record: 24-32-10 (58 Points, 7th � Central Division)
Blackhawks Last Game: 5-4 OT Loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday, March 26

Sabres Record: 23-33-10 (56 Points, 6th � Atlantic Division)
Sabres Last Game: 5-4 OT Loss to the New York Rangers on Sunday, March 27

Last Meeting: Sunday, November 17, 2019: Kirby Dach had an impressive night with two goals to help lead Chicago to a 4-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres. Corey Crawford recorded 33 saves on 34 shots.

Bounce Back: For their last game of the West Coast road trip, the Blackhawks fell to the Golden Knights on Saturday after holding a 3-0 lead going into the third period. Three unanswered goals over the span of three minutes for Vegas unfortunately meant that all momentum was lost for Chicago early into the third. Alex DeBrincat was able to score his 37th goal of the season in the ninth minute of the third to regain the lead, however, Alex Pietrangelo and Evgenii Dadonov successfully pulled off the comeback in overtime to hand the Hawks their 32nd loss of the season. Despite the loss on Saturday, Chicago is looking to continue their point streak with a win over the Buffalo Sabres tonight.

Kirby Dach: After playing 15 minutes against Vegas on Saturday, team physician Dr. Michael Terry told the media today that Dach will miss morning skate today due to a non-COVID-related illness. Derek King is speaking with the media this afternoon prior to game time where hopefully an updated status will be given. Dach has played 63 games during the season, recording 8 goals and 15 assists for a total of 23 points. He has been going through a goal drought, not having scored since February 25 against the New Jersey Devils.

Players to Watch: Tage Thompson (RW), 5 points in the last 5 games; 27G, 22A, 49 Points. Jeff Skinner (LW), 4 goals in the last 5 games; 27G, 19A, 46 Points.

A Look Towards Buffalo: Even with a last 10 record of 5-3-2, the Buffalo Sabres have had a lackluster season with an overall record of 23-33-10. The Sabres are also coming in at a disadvantage tonight having played their fourth straight overtime game only 24 hours ago. Following their loss yesterday, head coach Don Granato made it a point to say that although his team tried their best to stick with the flow of the game, it didn't come as a shock to him that his players also had to fight through tired legs. When playing a hot team such as the New York Rangers, you can't afford to give up those passive mistakes and Granato felt that was the main contributor to their loss. The Blackhawks are no stranger to simple mistakes that teams have capitalized on, and tonight is going to come down to who can remain composed under the pressure. Both teams are looking to extend a point streak.