Buffalo Sabres vs Anaheim Ducks: Preview and Predictions for November 22, 2024

The Buffalo Sabres and the Anaheim Ducks faced off on Friday, November 22, 2024, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The Ducks were looking to extend their three-game winning streak, while the Sabres aimed to build on their recent 1-0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings.

The Sabres, led by goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who recently earned a shutout against the LA Kings by saving all 23 shots, were favored in the matchup. Luukkonen’s performance highlighted the Sabres’ strong defensive play, with the team averaging 3.21 goals scored and 3.21 goals allowed per game. Key players like Tage Thompson, who leads the team in goals with 11, and Alex Tuch, who is tied with Thompson in points with 18, were crucial to the Sabres’ success, although Thompson was listed as questionable due to a lower body injury.

The Ducks, on the other hand, have been showing resilience and consistency, particularly on the defensive end. They have won three straight games, including a comeback 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Goalie Lukas Dostal is expected to start, and players like Troy Terry, who leads the team in points with 12, and Leo Carlsson, who is tied for the lead in goals with six, have been instrumental in the Ducks’ recent success. The Ducks’ top line, consisting of Carlsson, Trevor Zegras, and Alex Killorn, has been particularly effective in recent games.

Betting odds favored the Sabres, with a moneyline of -155 compared to the Ducks’ +130. The total goals line was set at 6, with some analysts predicting a lower-scoring game due to the defensive strengths of both teams.

The game also marked a potential family reunion, as Sabres forward Tage Thompson could face his father, Ducks assistant coach Brent Thompson, though Tage’s availability was uncertain due to injury.

Overall, the matchup promised to be an exciting clash between two teams with young talent and improving form, each looking to secure a crucial win in the NHL season.