Los Angeles Kings (0-0-0) at Buffalo Sabres (0-2-0, 0 pts)
Venue: KeyBank Center
Date: Thursday, October 10
Time: 7:00 pm ET / 4:00 pm PT
TV: ESPN+ / MSG / BSW
Radio:
Los Angeles – ESPN Radio 710 AM
Buffalo – WGR 550 AM
DraftKings Sportsbook Betting Lines:
Los Angeles -1.5
Buffalo +1.5
O/U 6.5
Purchase tickets via Ticketmaster
Los Angeles Kings Notes:
The Los Angeles Kings enter the 24-25 season with high expectations but face some challenges, especially due to injuries. Defenseman Drew Doughty is sidelined for a few months with an ankle injury, which puts pressure on their defense. In goal, the Kings hope Darcy Kuemper will provide the stability they’ve lacked in recent years. Kuemper was brought in following a trade with Washington.
Buffalo Sabres Notes:
The Sabres return home after their European trip with some key developments ahead of their home opener. They lost two games to the New Jersey Devils in Prague, and their powerplay struggled significantly going 0-for-6. Despite the early struggles, the Sabres remain hopeful for improvement as they return to home ice and continue to build team chemistry.
Los Angeles Kings Lineup:
Laferriere-Kopitar-Kempe
Fiala-Byfield-Foegele
Jeannot-Danault-Moore
Lee-Turcotte-Thomas
Anderson-Spence
Gavrikov-Burroughs
Edmunson-Clarke
Kuemper
Rittich
Buffalo Sabres Lineup:
Kulich-Thompson-Tuch
Benson-Cozens-Quinn
Zucker-McLeod-Greenway
Malenstyn-Krebs-Lafferty
Dahlin-Jokiharju
Power-Byram
Samuelsson-Clifton
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Levi
Players To Watch:
Los Angeles – After a strong 2023-24 campaign, Quinton Byfield is set to take on an even larger role, returning to his natural center position. His development as a top-six forward with be crucial for the Kings, especially with his combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability.
Buffalo – Tage Thompson continues to be the Sabres’ most potent offensive weapon. After posting a breakout 94-point season in 2023-24, Thompson has become a top center and leader. His combination of size, skill, and a deadly shot makes him one of the NHL’s most dynamic forwards.
Injuries:
Los Angeles –
D Drew Doughty – LTIR Month to Month
Buffalo –
RW Nicolas Aube-Kubel – IR Week to Week – Est. return 3-6 Weeks
LW JJ Peterka – OUT – Day to Day
Next game
Los Angeles – October 12 at Boston
Buffalo – October 12 vs. Florida
