While the Tampa Bay Lightning answered the cross-state-rival and defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers' activity ahead of the NHL trade deadline with a big move of their own Wednesday to bolster their playoff chances,

The Sabres (24-30-6) are coming off a rough beating, 6-2, at the hands of the San Jose Sharks. After four straight losses, they are firmly dead last in the Atlantic Division — and the Eastern Conference — and have serious work to do if they hope to contend for the postseason,

Thursday’s nationally televised game is scheduled to begin just after 6:30 p.m. (PST) in the second half of a double header on the network. The Buffalo Sabres-Tampa Bay Lightning game, which begins at 4 p.

Thursday’s nationally televised game is scheduled to begin just after 6:30 p.m. (PST) in the second half of a double header on the network. The Buffalo Sabres-Tampa Bay Lightning game, which begins at 4 p.

The Buffalo Sabres will look to snap a four-game winless streak when they visit the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday at Amalie Arena. Buffalo is 0-3-1 in its last four games following a 6-2 loss at home against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday.

The puck drops between the Sabres and Lightning at 7 p.m. Here’s what you need to know in the meantime. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff shook up the defense pairs during the loss to the Sharks. Mattias Samuelsson joined a defense pair with Rasmus Dahlin while Bowen Byram spent time alongside Owen Power.

SAN JOSE — The San Jose Sharks’ game against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena in Denver on Thursday will be shown exclusively on ESPN instead of the team’s normal broadcast partner, NBC Sports California. The game, the last on the Sharks’ seven-game road trip, is also being streamed on ESPN+.

Analyzing Thursday’s Buffalo Sabres at Tampa Bay Lightning odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

INJURIES: Lightning: None listed. Sabres: None listed.

General Manager Mike Grier announced today that the club has acquired a fourth-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft originally belonging to St. Louis from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for forward Luke Kunin.

The Tampa Bay Lightning play against the Buffalo Sabres in an NHL game tonight. Fans can watch this game for free online.

The hot Tampa Bay Lightning host the struggling Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night in the first meeting this season between the Atlantic Division foes.