Flyers

Flyers vs. Sabres: Game 68 Preview

Kevin Durso Sports Editor

Published17 Mar 2023

Disclosure

We sometimes use affiliate links in our content, when clicking on those we might receive a commission – at no extra cost to you. By using this website you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy.

Philadelphia Flyers right wing Owen Tippett (74) skates up ice with the puck during the first period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. — *Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports*

With just 15 games remaining on the Flyers schedule, the focus has already shifted. Between the dismissal of Chuck Fletcher as GM and President of Hockey Operations and starting to chart a course for a path back to contention via rebuild, the Flyers are going to be looking forward to early May, when the draft lottery takes place.

Entering Friday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres, the Flyers have the fifth-worst points total in the NHL and with more challenging opponents still ahead on the schedule, a final push for the best lottery odds possible is in motion. The Sabres, meanwhile, need all the points they can get to stay in the playoff push, entering Friday trailing the final wildcard spot by six points.

Game time is 7 p.m.

Team Leaders

Philadelphia Flyers	GP	G	A	P	Buffalo Sabres	GP	G	A	P
Travis Konecny	52	27	27	54	Tage Thompson	67	42	45	87
Kevin Hayes	66	17	32	49	Jeff Skinner	64	29	38	67
Scott Laughton	63	15	21	36	Alex Tuch	59	30	34	64
Tony DeAngelo	60	10	24	34	Rasmus Dahlin	63	14	49	63
Owen Tippett	62	18	16	34	Dylan Cozens	66	26	31	57

After going on a bit of a scoring streak entering March, Owen Tippett has just one assist in the last five games. It’s not for a lack of chances, but Tippett remains stuck on 18 goals on the season as the final 15 games hit.

Tage Thompson has kept up his points production with five assists in the last six games, but has gone without a goal in that time. The leading scorer for Buffalo will look to be a catalyst as they try to remain in the playoff push.

Carter Hart gets the start for the Flyers. After missing Tuesday’s game with the flu, Hart returns to the crease following a 5-1 loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday where he allowed four goals on 31 shots. Hart has just one win since Feb. 9 and has allowed three goals or more in all but two starts.

Craig Anderson is expected to start for Buffalo. Anderson is coming off a win against Toronto on Monday, making 25 saves on 28 shots. Anderson faced the Flyers on Jan. 9 and allowed four goals on 38 shots in a loss.

Projected Lineups

Flyers Scratches: Sean Couturier (injury), Travis Konecny (injury), Justin Braun (healthy), Kieffer Bellows (healthy)

Sabres Scratches: Mattias Samuelsson (injury), Vinnie Hinostroza (healthy), Kale Clague (healthy), Eric Comrie (healthy)

Lineup Notes

Flyers: Wade Allison is expected to return to the lineup after missing three games. Tyson Foerster will stay in the lineup and the Flyers will use one of their four post-deadline call-ups. No other changes are expected.
Sabres: No changes are expected to the Buffalo lineup.

Game Notes

Power Play: Flyers (32nd), Sabres (5th)
Penalty Kill: Flyers (26th), Sabres (31st)
Recent History vs. Sabres
- Jan. 9, 2023 – Flyers 4, Sabres 0 (at BUF)
Flyers Leaders vs. Sabres
- James van Riemsdyk: 48 GP, 19 G, 9 A, 28 P
- Ivan Provorov: 23 GP, 5 G, 8 A, 13 P
- Kevin Hayes: 26 GP, 5 G, 12 A, 17 P
- Joel Farabee: 12 GP, 4 G, 6 A, 10 P
- Carter Hart: 7 GP, 3-2-0, 2.73 GAA, .906 SV%
Milestone Watch
- Travis Sanheim needs one assist to reach 100 for his career.
- James van Riemsdyk needs three goals to reach 300 for his career.