After the Sabres' thrilling 3-2 shootout victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, Coach Lindy Ruff humorously noted that his team might be ready for a road trip. “Sometimes, after a successful homestand, it’s good to hit the road,” he quipped.
The Sabres have indeed found a groove at KeyBank Center, boasting 11 straight sellouts and a strong 4-1-0 record during their recent homestand. But don’t underestimate their prowess on the road. Since turning their season around in Edmonton on December 9, they’ve been a force away from home, posting a remarkable 17-2-1 record-the best in the NHL during that span.
Josh Doan reflected on the team’s journey, saying, “We’ve been tight from the start, but something clicked in Edmonton. We found our swagger, and now it’s part of who we are.”
Buffalo’s versatility has been key, winning in various ways-whether in tight contests, high-scoring affairs, or thrilling comebacks. Their .621 road points percentage (19-11-3) ranks among the league’s elite, making their early struggles a distant memory.
As they gear up for a four-game swing through Vegas, San Jose, Los Angeles, and Anaheim, Ruff acknowledged the challenge ahead. “Four games in six nights against playoff contenders-it’s going to be a tough trip,” he said.
Monday’s Practice Updates
The Sabres hit the ice at LECOM Harborcenter with some positive news. Mattias Samuelsson, Tanner Pearson, and Colten Ellis returned after missing Saturday’s game. Ruff is hopeful they’ll be ready for the upcoming road trip.
The practice saw nine defensemen rotating pairs, while Pearson, Josh Dunne, and Tyson Kozak skated as an extra line.
Goalie Rotation
Buffalo has been alternating between Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon since the Olympic break, a strategy Ruff plans to maintain. With Ellis as a healthy backup, the non-starter gets a mental break before his next game.
“It’s working well, so we’re sticking with it,” Ruff said. Both goalies boast a .917 save percentage since the break, ranking Buffalo third in the league.
Luukkonen, expected to start in Vegas, is 4-1-0 in his last five games. Lyon, likely starting in San Jose, will aim for his 10th consecutive road win, nearing the NHL record of 11.
Sam Carrick’s Impact
Sam Carrick, affectionately nicknamed "Ricky," has been a stellar addition to the Sabres. In five games, he’s won 57.4% of his faceoffs, notched three points, and contributed physically with 10 hits and a fight. He’s also been a key player on the penalty kill.
Ruff praised Carrick’s work ethic, joking, “He should get his Buffalo citizenship soon.” Alex Tuch echoed the sentiment, expressing his excitement over the acquisition. “Ricky’s been fantastic-on and off the ice,” Tuch said.