The Sabres wrap up their 2021 season against the Penguins this afternoon at 3 P.M.
Leading Scorers:
Sam Reinhart (BUF) — 53 GP, 25G, 15A, 40 PTS
Sidney Crosby (PIT) — 54 GP, 24G, 38A, 62 PTS
Expected Lines:
Sabres
Bjork – Reinhart – Olofsson
Asplund – Mittelstadt – Thompson
Skinner – Cozens – Routsalainen
Murray – Sheahan – Caggiula
Samuelsson – Ristolainen
Dahlin – Jokiharju
Bryson – Miller
Houser
Penguins
Guentzel – Crosby – Rust
Zucker – Malkin – Kapanen
McCann – Carter – Gaudreau
Aston-Reese – Blueger – Sceviour
Dumoulin – Letang
Ruhwedel – Ceci
Pettersson – Marino
Lagace
Sam Reinhart
Certainly one of the top stories of the season for Buffalo is Sam Reinhart’s breakout year both at Center and without Jack Eichel. Reinhart
Heading into this game, Reinhart’s season total in goals (25) is tied with his career high. Not only is he scoring more and away from Eichel, but Reinhart has increasingly displayed an ability to score goals in multiple ways. Long ago are the days where he seemed to only be scoring his goals parked in front of the net, deflecting them, a-la Joe Pavelski.
Reinhart’s shot became an established weapon this season coupled with his smart instincts around the crease.
The 25 year old just recently received this year’s Sabres’ Rick Martin award, presented to the player fans believe best demonstrates on-ice excellence, resiliency, and dedication to the community.
Last locked up
Following their loss on Thursday, the Sabres officially clinched 31st place and the best odds in the NHL Draft Lottery.
With no overwhelming consensus, they’ll have their share of players of choose from no matter how the lottery balls fall.
Tough Sledding
Despite nothing to lose, the Sabres know they’ll be facing an uphill battle in another game against the Penguins at home in Pittsburgh.
The Pens are an impressive 21-4-2 at home this season.
Take us home
The late-season story, Michael Houser, will start his 4th game with Buffalo after a tough 8-4 loss to the Penguins on Thursday.
