stories

1. Top row

The Sabers’ strong five-game stretch was fueled in part by the production of senior players in JJ Peterka, Tage Thompson and Tuch.

According to Natural Stat Trick, Buffalo outscored opponents 6-3 in 59:27 with the trio sharing the ice at 5-on-5. Each player has notable individual stats to start the season:

• Thompson entered Saturday on a five-game hitting streak, good for third in the NHL with all five of his goals this season at even strength.
• Tuch leads the Sabers with nine points. He ranks sixth in the NHL with eight even-strength points, just two behind league leader Ivan Barbashev.
• Peterka scored four goals in four games after returning from concussion.

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

“I think a couple of games ago Lindy was talking about the rushing game, the different routes we need to take, the non-negotiables,” Tuch said. “That opens up a lot of driving to the net and getting the defenders to our side as much as possible. … On the last play leading to Tommer’s goal, JJ’s drive to the net overpowered the defenders and OP and Tommer were able to put that play over the top.”

In the offensive zone, the trio tried to wear down their opponents on the forecheck and wait for their chance to attack; such as when Thompson found Peterka for a backdoor touchdown pass last Saturday in Chicago.

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

“I think we were just determined,” Tuch said. “We cause some turnovers and create opportunities that way.”

2. Clear facade

In the Sabers’ last game, they faced the NHL’s save percentage leader, at least at the time, in Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger.

Alex Lyon led the NHL in save percentage with a .955 save percentage in four games with the Red Wings this season. It is expected to start in the afternoon.

It took a “dirty goal” for the Sabers to finally gain the upper hand against Oettinger; Peyton Krebs parked himself in the blue paint and took the rebound over the crossbar. Getting ahead of the opposing goalkeeper continued to be an area of ​​emphasis in Friday’s training.

The Sabers have already made dramatic strides in this area this season. According to NHL Edge, they have four field goals; They have reached half of their total for the entire season in 2023-24.

“You have people around the net, you get bounce and you have the opportunity to put the puck behind the puck,” Sabers coach Lindy Ruff said. “When we stand at the edge of the net and wave pucks, you’re looking at a guy who sees everything right now and makes every save. So we’re going to have to move him as much as we can. But if there’s someone in front of him before you pass, then he can’t follow him and he might be moving late.” So it’s clear that this part is completely interconnected.”

3. Discovering the Red Wings

While 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 near the bottom of the league in shots and chances allowed.

According to Natural Stat Trick, 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. Both numbers rank in the bottom three of NHL teams.

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