JIRI KULICH

Sabres Seek Answers at Home Against Blackhawks

Bedard and Kane meet Thompson and Dahlin as Buffalo tries to steady things at KeyBank Center.

The early read says Buffalo is creating more and giving up less than Chicago, which tilts this matchup toward the home side if finishing and goaltending cooperate. The Blackhawks have bled prime looks — their opponents’ chances have been worth about 4.28 expected goals per game (expected goals = how dangerous the shots were) — while the Sabres generated about 3.33 expected goals in their opener, enough offense on paper to break through if they hit their spots.

Up front, Connor Bedard with Patrick Kane and Teuvo Teravainen must punch through a blue line led by Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power. For Buffalo, Tage Thompson, Jack Quinn, Jiri Kulich, Josh Norris and Jason Zucker have the firepower edge if they get clean entries and quick touches off the rush.

In net, Alex Lyon is in the mix for Buffalo, while Chicago’s rotation is under the microscope after two road losses. Standings-wise, Chicago sits last in the West and Buffalo is near the East’s basement — two teams chasing their first points with different underlying signs.