Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out.

This is also a favorable matchup with the Red Wings having all but dropped out of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference during their active 3-10 stretch. The Wings have a league-low 63.0 penalty-kill percentage while allowing the fifth-most goals per game.

Holding the Eastern Conference's first wild-card berth, the Ottawa Senators are close to securing their first trip to the post-season since 2017. Nevertheless, some fans and pundits are already pondering their potential off-season moves.

Thompson’s 35th goal of the season put the Sabres in front 3-2 at 1:23 of the third. Zach Benson won a battle behind the net before sending a backhand pass to Thompson, who snuck it under Anton Forsberg ’s right arm from alone in front.

Ruff is in the first season of his second stint in Buffalo, and improved his record with the franchise to 600-467-90 with 78 ties. Ruff trails only Al Arbor, who won 740 games with the New York Islanders.