Oilers Aim to Extend Win Streak Against Struggling Sabres

EDMONTON, Alberta – The Edmonton Oilers will face the Buffalo Sabres in a Saturday matinée matchup at Rogers Place, continuing their six-game homestand. The game, set for 2:00 p.m. MT, will be broadcast on Sportsnet and the Oilers Radio Network, including 880 CHED.

The Oilers are coming off a dominant 6-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday, showcasing their offensive prowess and veteran composure. Despite the absence of captain Connor McDavid, who is serving a three-game suspension, the team excelled with Leon Draisaitl leading the charge. Draisaitl recorded a goal and two assists, bringing his season total to 35 goals and closing in on Nathan MacKinnon for the NHL points lead. Zach Hyman also contributed significantly with two goals and an assist.

Edmonton’s power play remained effective, going 2-for-4 against the Canucks, including a goal by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The Oilers demonstrated discipline in a physical game, avoiding unnecessary altercations despite Vancouver’s attempts to provoke them. Head Coach Kris Knoblauch praised his team’s experience and ability to handle adversity, attributing their composure to their playoff run last season.

The Sabres, meanwhile, are struggling this season, sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with an 18-25-5 record. Buffalo is on track to miss the playoffs for the 14th consecutive season, the longest active streak in NHL history. In their last game, Tage Thompson scored his 22nd goal of the season, but the team’s special teams faltered, going 0-for-6 on the power play and conceding two short-handed goals in a 5-2 loss to the Calgary Flames.

Knoblauch acknowledged the Sabres’ potential, noting their dangerous players, including Thompson and defenseman Rasmus Dahlin. “They’ve been a streaky team, but they’re better than their record indicates,” he said. “They’re dangerous, and we need to be mindful of that.”

Saturday’s game will also mark a reunion for Oilers winger Jeff Skinner, who faces his former team for the first time since signing with Edmonton in the offseason. Skinner, who has seven goals and eight assists this season, expressed his comfort with the Oilers’ veteran-heavy roster. “I felt pretty comfortable right away,” he said. “We’ve got a really good group here.”

Knoblauch remains optimistic about Skinner’s performance, noting his recent scoring opportunities. “He’s been snake-bitten lately, but it’s just a matter of time before the puck starts going in for him,” he said.

Former Oilers forward Ryan McLeod will also return to the lineup for Buffalo after missing three games due to injury. McLeod, a second-round pick by Edmonton in 2018, spent four seasons with the Oilers before being traded to Buffalo in July.

As the Oilers aim to extend their winning streak, the Sabres look to break their slump in what promises to be an intriguing matchup at Rogers Place.