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Buffalo Sabres vs Tampa Bay Lightning: stats, injuries and matchup preview

The Buffalo Sabres (8-6-3) visit the Tampa Bay Lightning (11-4-2) on Saturday, January 2, 2027 at 7:00 PM ET, at Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL. TV: MSGB, The Spot - MTN. Below: injuries, recent form, a team comparison and matchup notes for Tampa Bay Lightning vs Buffalo Sabres.

NHLSaturday, January 2, 2027
7:00 PM ETJan 2, 2027
DateJan 2, 2027
Time7:00 PM ET
VenueBenchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL
TVMSGB, The Spot - MTN

Team comparison

Buffalo SabresTampa Bay Lightning
Goals per game
2.9
3.7
Goals allowed per game
3.4
3.1
8-6-3Record11-4-2
6th in Atlantic DivisionStanding3rd in Atlantic Division
4-4Road record / home record8-0
LWLWWLast 5LWWWL
L1StreakL1

Team stats

Buffalo SabresTampa Bay Lightning
Goals Against Average
3.29
3.06
Shots Against per Game
27.1
24.7
Penalty Kill Percentage
71.2
72.9
Power Play Goals Against
17
13
Short Handed Goals Against
0
0
Goals For per Game
2.94
3.71
Shots per Game
28.4
29.9
Power Play Goals
8
12
Power Play Percentage
14.3
19.4
Short Handed Goals
1
0
Penalty Minutes
158
140

Injury report

Confirm lineups and injuries close to game time.

Buffalo Sabres
Alex Lyon G · Shoulder
Injured Reserve
Konsta Helenius C · Upper Body
Out
Justin Danforth RW · Upper Body
Injured Reserve
Matt Grzelcyk D · Lower Body
Injured Reserve
Tampa Bay Lightning
Brayden Point C · Undisclosed - Not Specified
Injured Reserve

Recent form

Nov 8, 2026 · vs Vegas Golden KnightsL 1-4
Nov 6, 2026 · vs Columbus Blue JacketsW 5-2
Nov 4, 2026 · vs Ottawa SenatorsL 1-2
Oct 31, 2026 · at Los Angeles KingsW 3-2
Oct 29, 2026 · at Anaheim DucksW 7-6
Nov 8, 2026 · at Winnipeg JetsL 3-4
Nov 7, 2026 · at Minnesota WildW 4-3
Nov 5, 2026 · vs Chicago BlackhawksW 4-1
Nov 3, 2026 · vs Detroit Red WingsW 4-2
Oct 31, 2026 · at Nashville PredatorsL 4-5

Season series

Series starts 11/11
Apr 5, 2027TB 0, BUF 0
Jan 2, 2027BUF 0, TB 0
Nov 22, 2026BUF 0, TB 0
Nov 11, 2026TB 0, BUF 0

Team pages

More NHL games on Jan 2, 2027

Frequently asked questions

What time is Buffalo Sabres vs Tampa Bay Lightning?

The game is on Saturday, January 2, 2027 at 7:00 PM ET at Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL.

How can I watch Buffalo Sabres vs Tampa Bay Lightning?

TV: MSGB, The Spot - MTN.

What are the records of the Buffalo Sabres and Tampa Bay Lightning?

Buffalo Sabres: 8-6-3. Tampa Bay Lightning: 11-4-2.

Who is injured for Buffalo Sabres vs Tampa Bay Lightning?

Listed out or doubtful: Buffalo Sabres: Alex Lyon, Konsta Helenius, Justin Danforth, Matt Grzelcyk. Tampa Bay Lightning: Brayden Point. Check the injury report above for the full list, and confirm close to game time.

Where is Buffalo Sabres vs Tampa Bay Lightning played?

Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL.

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Independent analysis for information and entertainment. Not betting advice. Scores, schedules, records and injuries can change.