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Why a specific Sidney Crosby stat makes the Penguins favorites tonight vs. the Sabres
Photo credit: Edit from The Hockey News
Penguins' Sidney Crosby loves playing against the Sabres, as he has picked up 86 points in 62 games vs. Buffalo, giving Pittsburgh a huge edge tonight.
The Buffalo Sabres are only 1-5-2 on the road this year, although they did win in dramatic style in Detroit, where they overcame a 4-1 deficit and then won in overtime.
The Sabres have now won four out of their last five, garnering eight points out of a possible 10. Despite that, they have still moved up only one spot in the Eastern Conference.
There are seven teams between the Sabres and the last spot in the playoffs, now held by the Boston Bruins.
The Sabres have announced who will start in goal tonight
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen gets his third consecutive start in the lineup tonight. He has registered a 3-2-0 record with a 2.42 GAA and a .910 save percentage over the last five games.
Tage Thompson has goals in an impressive six consecutive and now seven out of the last eight games. That's third on the list, behind Jason Robertson's 11, albeit with fewer opportunities.
Josh Norris sat out last night and won't play tonight, potentially making an appearance over the weekend.
The Sabres are 2-6-2 in their last 10 on the road against Pittsburgh, and in their last 10 overall, they are 5-3-2.
Why all signs point to a Penguins victory tonight
One reason why the edge may fall even more on the side of the Penguins is the continued dominance that Sidney Crosby has enjoyed against the Sabres. In 62 games, he has 86 points.
"Sabres will try to contain Sidney Crosby on Wednesday. In 62 career games against Buffalo, Crosby has 30 goals and 56 assists for 86 points."
- Paul Hamilton
- Paul Hamilton
The Penguins have a .595 points percentage and sit fifth in the Metro Division, just outside the last playoff spot. The team has lost five of their last six (1-2-3), although they're 5-3-2 on the road.
Tristan Jarry has ended a seven-game absence and has a 5-2-0 record with a .911 save percentage; he will get the start tonight. Malkin has 24 points, and Crosby has 23 points in 21 games so far this season.
This is a critical evening in the season, and it should be a fun game to watch.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 26 | 87 ANSWERS Why a specific Sidney Crosby stat makes the Penguins favorites tonight vs. the Sabres Who will win tonight's game? | ||
| Penguins | 86 | 98.9 % |
| Sabres | 1 | 1.1 % |
| List of polls | ||