Aube-Kubel Ready, Power Likely For Sabres-Panthers Rematch

In an annoying quirk of the 2024-25 schedule, the Buffalo Sabres will face the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on Monday for the second time in two weeks and for the final time this season at Key Bank Center.

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The Panthers have survived the early-season absences of stars Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov, and currently lead the Atlantic Division with a 6-3-1 record. Unlike the 5-2 loss in Buffalo on October 12, Tkachuk, Barkov and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky will be in the lineup on Monday, providing a stiff challenge to the Sabres, who have won three games in a row.

Forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel, who practiced fully on Sunday and participated in the morning skate on Monday will play in his first game since the season opener in Czechia on October 4. The Stanley Cup champion missed eight games with a lower-body injury and will play on the Sabres struggling second line with Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn in place of rookie Jiri Kulich.

“(The injury was) just a bad luck, (I was) trying to hit someone, and my feet got stuck behind me and twisted my knee,” Aube-Kubel said on Monday. “Now I’ve got a brace, so it shouldn’t happen again.”

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was in the starter’s net at the morning skate and will make his fourth straight start for Buffalo. Zach Benson did not skate, and Owen Power participated but is battling an illness, making his status a game-time decision.

“I haven’t seen him since he got off the ice, but I’m assuming he’ll be available,” Ruff said.

The Sabres appear to have regained their offensive stride, as they have scored four or more goals in six straight games, mostly with goals coming at even strength. Buffalo’s power play did finally score in their victory over Detroit on Saturday but is still last in the NHL with a 3.9% success rate (1 for 26).

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