The final matchup of the 2024–2025 NHL regular season for the Philadelphia Flyers and the Buffalo Sabres unfolds tonight at KeyBank Center in a game that may not have postseason implications but carries significance for both franchises looking to end disappointing seasons on a positive note. The Flyers enter at 33–38–10 and the Sabres at 35–39–7, with both clubs officially out of the playoff picture, yet still motivated by pride, player evaluations, and a desire to build momentum heading into what will be pivotal offseasons. These are two teams that have endured similar frustrations—flashes of promise undermined by inconsistent defense, unreliable goaltending, and an inability to string together sustained winning stretches. With nothing to lose, this game has the potential to open up and become a wide-open, offensive-minded contest, especially considering the tendencies of both teams to struggle defensively and give up high-danger scoring chances. Statistically, both clubs are among the league’s worst in goals allowed per game—Buffalo ranks 29th at 3.49 GA/G and Philadelphia isn’t far behind at 28th with 3.43 GA/G. The offensive contrast, however, leans toward Buffalo, which has averaged 3.21 goals per game this season compared to Philadelphia’s 2.81, and they have the firepower to turn tonight’s game into a track meet if given time and space. The Sabres are led offensively by breakout star Tage Thompson, who has emerged as a dynamic forward capable of game-changing plays. He has consistently provided both highlight-reel goals and gritty production in key situations, and he’ll be the focal point of Buffalo’s attack tonight. Supporting him is Rasmus Dahlin, one of the more talented puck-moving defensemen in the league, who has the ability to change the pace of the game from the back end. The Sabres’ issues haven’t come in the offensive zone—they’ve been plagued by an inability to protect leads and kill penalties consistently, which will be a key concern again tonight.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has taken the reins in net, showing flashes of long-term potential but still battling the inconsistency that often defines young goaltenders. Their home form has been a relative bright spot, with the Sabres covering the spread in four of their last six at KeyBank Center, and they’ll be motivated to reward the home crowd with one last win to close the season. The Flyers, meanwhile, continue to be a team in transition, led by the relentless work of Travis Konecny, who has been their most consistent and effective forward all season. But beyond Konecny, Philadelphia has struggled to develop the secondary scoring necessary to keep up in the modern NHL, and their lack of finishers has been a constant thorn. Defensively, they’ve had major lapses, and goaltending has done little to mask those mistakes—Samuel Ersson and Felix Sandström have split time but neither has seized the starter’s role with confidence. The Flyers also come into this game cold against the spread, having covered in just two of their last six, and their road form has been erratic throughout the season. As much as tonight’s contest lacks postseason relevance, it carries weight for young players hoping to solidify roster spots heading into training camp, and for veterans trying to avoid ending the year on another sour note. With both teams eager to finish strong and free from the pressure of playoff positioning, expect an entertaining, high-event game with a high likelihood of goals—especially considering five of their last seven head-to-head matchups have gone over the total. While the Sabres appear to have the edge offensively, the Flyers won’t go quietly in what may be their last opportunity to build some confidence heading into a long summer.