The Chicago Blackhawks will look to end a six-game losing streak when they host the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday at 8 p.m. EST. The contest marks the second matchup between the two NHL teams this season, following a 4-3 victory by Buffalo in their previous meeting.
Team Form and Key Statistics
Chicago comes into the game with a 4-13-1 overall record, including a 4-5-0 mark in home games. The Blackhawks have struggled when committing more penalties than their opponents, posting a 1-7-0 record in those contests. Over their past 10 games, Chicago is 1-8-1, averaging 1.8 goals, 3.1 assists, four penalties, and 8.5 penalty minutes while conceding 4.0 goals per game.
The Sabres hold an 8-7-3 record overall and have played well on the road with a 4-1-3 record. Buffalo has been particularly successful when scoring at least three goals, compiling a 7-1-3 record in those games. Across their last 10 outings, the Sabres are 4-4-2, averaging 2.9 goals, 5.3 assists, 4.3 penalties, and 9.7 penalty minutes while allowing 3.5 goals per contest. Betting lines list Buffalo at -155 and Chicago at +126, with an over/under set at 6.5 goals.
Individual Leaders and Injury Updates
Roman Kantserov leads Chicago with nine goals and two assists on the season, while Connor Bedard has recorded four goals and seven assists over his past 10 games. For Buffalo, Zachary Benson has collected two goals and 13 assists, and Tage Thompson has contributed seven goals and five assists across his last 10 appearances.
Both rosters feature several missing players due to injuries. The Blackhawks are without Patrick Kane (upper-body) and Bowen Byram (upper-body), while Ryan Ellis is out for the season with a back injury. The Sabres will be missing Matt Grzelcyk (lower-body), Konsta Helenius (upper-body), Justin Danforth (upper-body), and Alex Lyon (upper-body), while Louis Crevier is listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed issue.
