Sabres vs. Kings | How to watch, storylines, and more

Following two games in Europe to open the season, the Buffalo Sabres are back at KeyBank Center to host the Los Angeles Kings in their 2024-25 home opener on Thursday.

The Sabres are looking to bounce back after going 0-2 in their NHL Global Series games against the New Jersey Devils. They had two days off upon returning to North America to reacclimate, then spent the past two days practicing in preparation for the Kings.

“It’s great to be back in North America playing on home ice in front of our fans,” Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin said. “We’ve been waiting for that the whole summer, so I can’t wait.”

The puck drops at 7 p.m. For those making the trip downtown, there will be a Party in the Plaza and player arrivals on the Blue & Gold Carpet beginning at 3:45 p.m.

Find all the details on what to expect at the home opener here.

Here’s what you need to know ahead of puck drop.

How to watch

TV (Buffalo broadcast market): MSG

Streaming (out of market): ESPN+

Radio: WGR 550

Click here for more ways to watch Sabres games.

Storylines

1. The lineup (updated 11:30 a.m.)

JJ Peterka will be out tonight as he continues to recover from the concussion he sustained against New Jersey last Saturday, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff announced. Peterka practiced with the team Wednesday and was a full participant again in the optional skate this morning.

Zach Benson (lower body) is considered a game-time decision after returning to practice on Wednesday.

“I can just tell you, I anticipate him being good,” Ruff said regarding Benson. "We'll dress an extra guy for warmup and make sure then."

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen practiced in the home net this morning and is expected to start in goal. He posted a 33-save shutout when the Kings last came to Buffalo on Feb. 13.

2. The power play

The Sabres dedicated much of their focus at practice this week to the power play, which went 0-for-6 in two games against the Devils. That included the following new-look units (including Peterka, who is out tonight):

Those groups worked extensively on zone entries in addition to their set up within the offensive end.

“First of all, you can’t be frustrated,” Dahlin said. “It’s part of it, and these two games [were] two good learners. We won’t do that same mistake again. We got to have a little bit more speed on the entries. That was our main focus, and then just keep it a little simple and finish our routes. Just small details, but overall, just not being frustrated. Just keep working every day.”

3. Scouting the Kings

The Kings are coming off a 99-point season and their third consecutive playoff berth in 2023-24. Jim Hiller was promoted to head coach within that run after Todd McLellan was let go mid-season – and with Hiller came a more aggressive identity from a team previously known for its conservative approach.

“Later on (last season), I think you saw more up-ice pressure,” Ruff said.

The Sabres are preparing for more of the same in terms of pressure from the Kings, both in how they defend the neutral zone at even strength and in the way they kill penalties. The Kings ranked third in the NHL with an average of 2.56 goals allowed per game in 2023-24.

Players to watch

Buffalo – Dylan Cozens, C

Though he didn’t get on the board in the first two games against the Devils, Cozens led the Sabres with eight shots on goal and eight scoring chances (according to Natural Stat Trick). He also won 54.8 percent of his faceoffs.

Los Angeles – Anze Kopitar, C

At age 36, the Kings captain remains one of the game’s premier two-way forwards. He finished fifth in Selke Voting trophy last season, when he tallied 70 points and led Kings forwards in average time on ice (19:39), faceoff winning percentage (55.1), takeaways (49), and blocked shots (65).