The Buffalo Sabres faced the Calgary Flames in an Atlantic Division matchup. This game took place on Nov. 19, 2025, at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. The Sabres carried a 7-8-4 record heading in. The Flames arrived with a 5-13-3 record struggling in the Pacific Division.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Sabres ranked 8th in Atlantic Division with 18 points.
- Flames sit in last place in Pacific with only 13 points.
- All-time record: Sabres lead 57-46-16 in 119 career meetings.
- Game time: 7:30 PM EST at KeyBank Center.
- Next meeting: Dec. 8, 2025 in Calgary.
Battle of Struggling Teams in Division Play
Both teams entered this contest searching for consistency. The Sabres had gone 3-4-3 over their last 10 games. The Flames were worse, managing just 3-5-2 in the same span.
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Buffalo’s Alex Lyon carried a 3.07 GAA with a .907 save percentage. Calgary countered with Dustin Wolf, sporting a 3.08 GAA and .892 save percentage. The goaltending matchup favored Buffalo’s depth.
Key forwards for the Sabres included Tage Thompson with 4 goals and 7 points. For Calgary, Matt Coronato led with 6 goals but only 10 total points. The offensive firepower clearly advantaged Buffalo.
Head-to-Head Breakdown and Season Series
This marked the first meeting of the 2025-26 season (tied 0-0). The Sabres hold a strong historical advantage, winning 55% of meetings. Looking at the matchup’s table below shows the team stats:
| Stat | Buffalo Sabres | Calgary Flames |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 7-8-4 | 5-13-3 |
| Points | 18 | 13 |
| Goals For/Game | 2.89 | 2.10 |
| Goals Against/Game | 3.42 | 3.10 |
| Power Play % | 17.2% (23rd) | 12.7% (32nd) |
| Penalty Kill % | 89.7% (1st) | 78.6% (18th) |
The Sabres boast an elite penalty kill ranked 1st in NHL. This gives them a clear edge against Calgary’s struggling power play at 12.7%. Defensive efficiency becomes crucial in close games.
Coaching and Key Developments
Lindy Ruff continues leading the Sabres through a rebuilding year. Calgary’s Ryan Huska faces mounting pressure with the Flames near the bottom of the Pacific. Both coaches seek momentum entering late November.
Buffalo’s defense features Rasmus Dahlin with 4 assist leads. The Sabres scratched Mason Geertsen and Zach Metsa. Calgary scratched Dryden Hunt, Ryan Lomberg, and Jake Bean for lineup decisions.
- Puck drop time: 7:30 PM EST
- TV broadcasts: MSG-B, TVAS2, SN1
- Officials: Wes McCauley (referee), Carter Sandlak (referee)
- Next home game for Sabres: TBA after this contest
- Second meeting set for Dec. 8 in Calgary
Can Buffalo Pull Away in the Standings?
The Sabres have a genuine opportunity to separate themselves. The Flames represent a must-win scenario for any playoff hopes. Buffalo’s superior penalty kill could prove decisive against Calgary’s floundering power play setup.
Watch the Sabres special teams execution closely. They rank 1st in penalty kill but sit just 23rd in power play. Capitalizing on advantages will determine the outcome. History suggests Buffalo should prevail, holding 55% of the all-time series.
Both teams need this game for confidence building. Can the Sabres maintain home-ice advantage? Can Calgary shock history and get a road win? The Nov. 19 contest answers critical questions for both franchises seeking playoff positioning.
Sources
- NHL.com – Official game preview and player statistics
- ESPN Sports – Standings and team performance metrics
- Buffalo Hockey Central – All-time series records and history
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.