Storylines
1. Maintain momentum
The Sabers have outscored their opponents 11-2 in their last two games. In both contests, they rotated four attacking lines evenly and played strict defense to Luukkonen.
Fifteen players scored a point in the win over Rangers, including six different scorers.
“All our players are going now,” Sabers captain Rasmus Dahlin said. “We have a lot of confidence in our group, so we have to continue to grow.”
2. Special teams
The Sabers are 6-for-21 (28.6 percent) on the power play over their last six games. Zach Benson scored with the extra man on Thursday against the Rangers, who have not allowed a goal in their last five games.
Meanwhile, Buffalo’s penalty kill is perfect on seven opportunities in the last two games after a 4-on-4 win against New York.
“I feel like it’s something we’re most proud of,” Luukkonen said. “We want to be good at it. It can change the game.”
3. Explore the flames
The Flames showed grit late in the game with a 7-5-2 start. They have outscored their opponents 21-15 over third periods, including an overtime loss in Boston on Thursday that saw them erase a two-goal deficit over the final 20 minutes.
Defenseman Rasmus Andersson leads Calgary with 11 points (4+7) while forwards Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri are tied for the team lead with five goals each.
Dustin Wolfe has started the last two games in goal, including 34 saves in an overtime loss to Boston. The 23-year-old is 4-2-1 with a .906 save percentage.
