Highlights from the Sabres' 2018-19 schedule

The Buffalo Sabres unveiled their complete schedule for the 2018-19 season on Thursday. Let's look at some of the highlights.

Oct. 4 vs. Boston

The Sabres will open the season at home for the fifth-straight year with this Thursday-night matchup against the Bruins, which kicks off a four-game homestand that also sees New York, Vegas and Colorado come to KeyBank Center.
This is the first time in franchise history that the Sabres play four-straight home games to open a season. After that, the Sabres embark to Arizona to begin a season-long five-game road trip out west.

Wednesday, Nov. 21 vs Philadelphia and Friday, Nov. 23 vs. Montreal

The Sabres host a pair of contests during Thanksgiving weekend, making it the perfect opportunity to bring that out-of-town family member to a game. For the shopping crowd, the 4 p.m. puck drop on Black Friday should leave you with ample time to catch a nap.

Tuesday, Dec. 4 vs. Toronto

We had to wait until March of last season to see the Sabres and Maple Leafs meet for the first time. The wait is much less drastic this season, as the Sabres host their cross-border rival on Dec. 4 for the first of four matchups.
The season series picks up again with games in Toronto on Feb. 25 and March 2 and then concludes with another meeting at KeyBank Center on March 20.

Monday, Dec. 31 vs. New York Islanders

What better way to end 2018 than with some hockey downtown? Catch the Sabres hosting the Islanders at 6 p.m., then make your way up Main St. to catch the ball drop.

Friday, Feb. 1 vs. Chicago

This Friday night matchup with Patrick Kane and the Chicago Blackhawks kicks off a season-long seven-game homestand for the Sabres, which also includes visits from Minnesota, Carolina, Detroit, Winnipeg and both New York teams.
The last time the Sabres had a seven-game homestand was 1996-97, which also began with a visit from the Blackhawks. Buffalo won that game, 2-1, on goals from Rob Ray and Brian Holzinger.

Saturday, Feb. 23 vs. Washington

Alex Ovechkin and the reigning Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals visit Buffalo for a matinee matchup on Saturday, Feb. 23, one of eight afternoon games at KeyBank Center this season.
The Sabres also visit the Capitals twice this season, first on Dec. 15 and again on Dec. 21.

Sunday, March 17 vs. St. Louis

The Sabres host the St. Louis Blues on St. Patrick's Day, which will be the second leg of a back-to-back set (the team plays in Carolina the night before). The Sabres have 14 back-to-back sets on their schedule this season, their fewest since 2013-14.

Thursday, April 4 vs. Ottawa

The Sabres host the Ottawa Senators for their home finale, then close out the season in Detroit two days later. Let's hope this one doesn't come too soon.