Sabres vs. Bruins: Projected Lineups for December 29, 2025

The Buffalo Sabres are set to face off against the Boston Bruins tonight, December 29, 2025. Here’s a look at the projected lineups for both teams, offering insights into their strategies and potential matchups.

Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres (19-14-4) are riding a wave of momentum, boasting an eight-game winning streak. Their recent success can be attributed to improved finishing and strong goaltending.

Here’s the projected lineup for the Sabres:

• Forwards:

  • Peyton Krebs — Tage Thompson — Josh Doan
  • Noah Ostlund — Josh Norris — Alex Tuch
  • Zach Benson — Ryan McLeod — Jack Quinn
  • Jordan Greenway — Josh Dunne — Beck Malenstyn

• Defense:

  • Mattias Samuelsson — Rasmus Dahlin
  • Owen Power — Michael Kesselring
  • Bowen Byram — Zach Metsa

• Goalies:

  • Alex Lyon
  • Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Several players are currently sidelined with injuries, including Tyson Kozak (upper body), Conor Timmins (broken leg), Jason Zucker (upper and lower body), Colten Ellis (concussion), Jiri Kulich (blood clot), and Justin Danforth (lower body). Isak Rosen and Jacob Bryson are expected to be scratched. Rasmus Dahlin is set to return after being away in Sweden.

Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins (20-17-1) are looking to bounce back after a 4-1 defeat against the Sabres. The Bruins have made a few roster moves, activating Matej Blumel and Michael Callahan from injured reserve and sending them to Providence.

Here’s the projected lineup for the Bruins:

• Forwards:

  • Alex Steeves – Elias Lindholm – Morgan Geekie
  • Casey Mittelstadt – Pavel Zacha – Viktor Arvidsson
  • Marat Khusnutdinov – Fraser Minten – David Pastrnak
  • Mikey Eyssimont – Sean Kuraly – Mark Kastelic

• Defense:

  • Nikita Zadorov – Charlie McAvoy
  • Hampus Lindholm – Jonathan Aspirot
  • Vladislav Kolyachonok – Andrew Peeke

• Goalie:

  • Jeremy Swayman

Tanner Jeannot (undisclosed), Jordan Harris (ankle), Matej Blumel (lower body), Henri Jokiharju (undisclosed), Michael Callahan (lower body), and Jonathan Aspirot (upper body) are currently injured. Victor Soderstrom and Jeffrey Viel are expected to be scratched.

Key Matchups and Storylines

The Sabres are aiming to extend their winning streak, while the Bruins are eager to get back in the win column. Rasmus Dahlin's return to the Sabres' lineup after tending to his fiancee is a significant boost for Buffalo. Mattias Samuelsson is coming off a strong performance against the Bruins, recording a goal and two assists. David Pastrnak is expected to skate on the third line, a move aimed at spreading out the Bruins' offensive threat.

Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.