Storylines
1. Top line
The Sabers’ strong five-game stretch has been fueled in part by the production of their top line of JJ Peterka, Tage Thompson and Tuch.
Buffalo outscored its opponents 6-3 in 59:27 as the trio shared the ice 5-on-5, according to Natural Stat Trick. Each player has distinct individual statistics to start the season:
Thompson enters Saturday with five straight points and has scored all five of his goals this season at even strength, tied for third in the NHL. Tuch leads the Sabers with nine points. His eight power plays are tied for sixth in the NHL, just two behind league leader Ivan Barbashev. Petrka has scored four goals in four matches since returning from concussion.
The trio has made it a point to be a threat both in the offensive zone and on the rush. And it was the latter that led to Thompson’s goal against Dallas on Tuesday, a shot from the high slot created by Owen Power but made possible by Petrka.
“I think a few games ago, Lindy was harping on the fast plays and the different routes we have to take and the non-negotiables,” Tuch said. “Commanding that net and bringing those defenders with us as much as possible opens up a lot. … The last play on Tommer’s goal, JJ was driving the net and that brought the defenders down and OP and Tommer were able to make the play in front.
Inside the attacking zone, the trio tried to wear down opponents and wait for their chance to pounce, as happened when Thompson passed Petrka out the back door to score in Chicago last Saturday.
Thompson spent 45.5 percent of his power ice time in the offensive zone, according to NHL Edge, which ranks in the 93rd percentile of NHL players.
“I think we’re just holding together,” Tuch said. “We cause some turnovers and create chances that way.”
2. Net front
The Sabers’ last game pitted them against the NHL’s leader in save percentage in Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger — at least at the time.
Forward Alex Lyon leads the NHL with a .955 save percentage in four games for the Red Wings this season. It is expected to start this afternoon.
It took a “dirty goal” for the Sabers to finally break through to Oettinger, as Peyton Cribbs stopped himself in the blue paint and fired the rebound off the crossbar. Getting in front of the opposing goaltender remained an area of focus in practice on Friday.
The Sabers have already made big strides in this department this season. According to NHL Edge, they have four goals scored in the crease — already halfway to the full season total from 2023-24.
“You have people around the net, you get a rebound, you have a chance to put a puck in the back of the net,” Sabers coach Lindy Ruff said. “When we stand on the side of the net and wave pucks, you’re looking at a man [who is] He sees everything now and he saves everything. So, we have to get him moving when we can. But if we have someone in front of him before you swipe, he won’t be able to follow and may be delayed in moving. So, this whole part is definitely related.
3. Explore the Red Wings
While their goaltending has helped fuel their recent success (backup Cam Talbot also had a 37-save win against New Jersey on Wednesday), the Red Wings rank last in the league in shots and chances allowed.
The Red Wings had a 41.25 percent share of shot attempts at 5-on-5 and a 41.18 percent share of high-danger scoring opportunities, according to Natural Stat Trick. Both numbers rank in the bottom three of NHL teams.
Lucas Raymond (0+6) and Alex DeBrincat (3+3) are tied at the top of the team with six points each. Dylan Larkin leads the Red Wings with four goals.
