Preview: Sabres Look to Extend Win Streak Against Struggling Kraken SEATTLE (Interstat) — Two teams seeking consistency will meet Sunday when the Buffalo Sabres visit the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena. The Sabres (13-18-0) arrive with a measure of momentum, having won two straight on their Western Canada road trip, including a 3-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday. Buffalo’s offense has shown flashes, averaging 3.2 goals per game over its last five contests. A key catalyst has been center Tage Thompson. He has points in three consecutive games (3 goals, 3 assists) and is coming off a goal and an assist against Vancouver. Thompson’s recent surge is a welcome sign for a Sabres team that has struggled to find steady scoring beyond its top line. Goaltender Alex Lyon, who made 30 saves in the win over Vancouver, is expected to start. The Kraken (12-16-0) are mired in a difficult stretch, having lost five of their last six games (1-4-1). Their most recent outing was a 3-2 overtime win over the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday, which snapped a four-game skid. Seattle has been outscored 22-9 during its recent 1-4-1 slide. Second-line center Matty Beniers, the 2023 Calder Trophy winner, will be a focal point for Seattle’s attempt to reignite its attack. He scored the tying goal late in the third period against Los Angeles and leads the team with 5 shots on goal in that contest. However, production has been sporadic for the Kraken, who rank near the bottom of the league in goals per game. Defensive focus will be critical for Seattle, as Buffalo’s top players have found a rhythm. Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin is also riding a hot streak, with four points (1 goal, 3 assists) in his last two games. This interconference matchup is the first of two meetings this season. Both clubs are looking to climb out of the bottom half of their respective conference standings. For Buffalo, continuing its road success is paramount before returning east. For Seattle, protecting home ice and building on its narrow overtime win is essential to halt its downward trend. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m. PST.