The Calgary Flames square off with Buffalo Sabres on Monday.
Here are three stats that you need to know in advance of the game.
1. Buffalo’s road losing streak vs. the Flames’ recent Saddledome success
The Sabres have struggled recently away from Key Bank Arena. They’ve lost four straight games on the road and have been outscored 18-9. Buffalo has surrendered at least four goals in each of those contests. Calgary has picked up at least one point in their last four home games.
The Flames have dominated the Sabres at the Saddledome, winning seven straight games and outscoring them 29-13. In the last seven home games against the Sabres, Calgary is averaging 4.14 goals a game while surrendering 1.86 in those matchups.
2. Mike Smith‘s recent struggles vs. the Sabres
Mike Smith’s been awesome for the Flames this year but the Sabres seem to have the netminder’s number. He is 0-3-0 in the last three matchups against Buffalo while earning a 3.39 goals-against average. Smith is a career 5-6-2 against the Eastern Conference with a 2.88 GAA and .911 save percentage.
In five home starts against Buffalo, Smith is 2-2-1 with a .920 save percentage. The Flames goalie has been dominant lately, winning six of his last seven starts.
3. Hamilton and Gaudreau’s point production against Buffalo
Dougie Hamilton and Johnny Gaudreau must like playing against the Sabres. Johnny Hockey has tallied three goals and two assists in five career contests against the Sabres. Hamilton’s produced four goals and six helpers in last eight games against Buffalo. Hamilton’s potted six goals and has dished out seven assists in 16 career games against the Atlantic Divison squad.
The Flames D-Man is two points away from 200 and has three game-winning goals in the last six games. Gaudreau’s collected 27 of his 54 points at the home and has sniped eight goals in front of the Calgary faithful.
All stats are via Sportsnet Stats.
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