Scenarios

1. The top line

The Sabres’ strong five-game stretch has been fueled in part by production from their top line of JJ Peterka, Tage Thompson and Tuch.

Buffalo outscored its opponents 6-3 in 59:27, with the trio sharing the ice 5-on-5, according to Natural Stat Trick. Each player has striking individual statistics to start the season:

• Thompson begins a five-game point streak on Saturday and has scored his five goals this season at even strength, tied for third in the NHL.
• Tuch leads the Sabers with nine points. His eight points at even strength place him tied for sixth in the NHL, just two behind league leader Ivan Barbashev.
• Peterka has scored four goals in four games since returning from a concussion.

The trio made it a point to be a threat both in the offensive zone and on the run. It was the latter that led to Thompson’s goal against Dallas on Tuesday, a shot from the high slot that was assisted by Owen Power but made possible by Peterka.

“I think a few games ago, Lindy was talking about the rushing game and the different routes we have to take and the things that are non-negotiable,” Tuch said. “Driving that net and bringing those defenders with us as much as possible opens up a lot of things. …Last play on Tommer’s goal, it was JJ driving the net that brought down defenders and OP and Tommer were able to make that play up top.

In the offensive zone, the trio tried to wear down opponents on the forecheck and wait for their chance to pounce, like when Thompson found Peterka through the back door for a goal in Chicago last Saturday.

Thompson spent 45.5 percent of his ice time at even strength in the offensive zone, according to NHL Edge, who ranks in the 93rd percentile of NHL players.

“I think we’re just tenacious,” Tuch said. “We cause turnovers and we create chances that way.”

2. The internet front

The Sabres’ last game pitted them against the NHL’s leader in save percentage, Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger – at least at that point.

Alex Lyon led the NHL with a .955 save percentage in four games for the Red Wings this season. He should start this afternoon.

It took a “dirty goal” for the Sabers to finally break through against Oettinger, with Peyton Krebs parking in the blue paint and hitting a rebound off the crossbar. Getting in front of the opposing goalie remained an area of ​​importance during Friday’s practice.

The Sabers have already made spectacular progress in this area this season. According to NHL Edge, they have scored four goals in the crease – already halfway to their total for the full 2023-24 season.

“There are people around the net, you get a rebound and you have an opportunity to put a puck in the back of the net,” Sabers coach Lindy Ruff said. “When we’re standing at the edge of the net waving the puck, you’re looking at a guy (who) sees everything right now and he makes every save. So we’re going to have to get him moving as soon as we can. But if we have someone in front of him before you make the pass, then he can’t follow it and he might be late. So that part is all related, that’s for sure.

3. Looking for the Red Wings

Although goaltending has helped fuel their recent success (backup Cam Talbot also earned a 37-save win over New Jersey on Wednesday), the Red Wings rank near the bottom of the league in shooting and opportunities granted.

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 chances, according to Natural Stat Trick. Both numbers rank among the bottom three teams in the NHL.

Lucas Raymond (0+6) and Alex DeBrincat (3+3) are tied for the team lead with six points each. Dylan Larkin leads the Red Wings with four goals.