Sabres Gear Up for Crucial Match Against Ducks Amid Playoff Push

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Sabres are looking to build on their recent momentum as they prepare to face the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday, February 27, 2025, at KeyBank Center. The Sabres have had a strong start to their current five-game segment and will aim for a three-game winning streak following their victory over the New York Rangers.

Coach Lindy Ruff has emphasized the importance of accumulating points in every five-game stretch, with a target of seven points. ‘You’ve got to know where you’re at to know where you’ve got to get to,’ Ruff stated, underlining the urgency of their playoff aspirations.

The Sabres have just concluded a successful outing against the Rangers, where Rasmus Dahlin scored two goals and provided two assists. Dahlin’s performance has propelled him into the spotlight, marking his best game of the season according to Ruff. This prolific outing adds to Dahlin’s impressive six-game point streak, solidifying his position as a key player for the Sabres.

Dahlin commented on his performance, stating, ‘This is the healthiest I’ve been. I think when you’re feeling better, you play better.’ His ability to recover from injuries has evidently improved his on-ice performance, where he has recorded three goals in his last two games, alongside his contributions at the international level during the 4 Nations Face-Off.

As the Sabres prepare for the Ducks, who are in fine form with a 7-1-1 record in their last nine, Ruff recognizes the challenge ahead. ‘We’re taking a lot of pride in how we’re trying to play and eliminate some big opportunities in the game,’ he noted after their last matchup against the Rangers.

The Sabres and Ducks clashed earlier in the season, where Buffalo triumphed 3-2 in Anaheim, thanks to Jiri Kulich‘s overtime goal. Tuesday’s game will be the final matchup of the season-series, adding extra significance to the contest.

Moreover, the Sabres will host a special Black History Celebration during the game, showcasing local artists, entertainers, and Black-owned businesses, making it a night of community engagement as well as a critical hockey matchup.

In the lineup news, forwards Jason Zucker and Alex Tuch, who were game-time decisions due to minor injuries, are expected to play. The anticipated puck drop is set for 7 p.m., with pregame coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. on MSG.

The Ducks, despite their recent success, have struggled on the power play, ranking last in the NHL this season. However, their strong goaltending duo, Lukas Dostal and John Gibson, has buoyed the team’s performance, especially in close games, where five of their last contests have been decided by just one goal.

Looking to the future, the Sabres are committed to the playoff race and are focused on taking it one game at a time. ‘We know where we’ve got to get to,’ Ruff reaffirmed.