What the Buffalo Weather Could Mean for the Sabres Saturday

A winter storm is in the weather forecast for the Buffalo area Saturday and Sunday, leaving many questions on the status of the Bills and Sabres games this weekend. New York Governer Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency Friday in various Western New York counties as the city and surrounding area prepare for high winds and lake-effect snow.

As of now, the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres have not shifted the start or location of the games. They’re both planning to proceed as scheduled.

Regarding the Sabres in particular, Saturday downtown could be just north of the heart of the snowband. Buffalo is scheduled to host the Vancouver Canucks at 4pm local time. Per the Weather Channel, 25 to 35 mile-per-hour winds are expected with periodic snow accumulating to one to three inches.

Should the snowband move more north, the visibility could become in question and affect travel.

Here’s an infographic from the State Weather Risk Communication Center:

It’s not expected to affect the game at this time, however. A decision could be made regarding the game’s status as late as early Saturday afternoon.

The Sabres are no stranger to postponed games due to the weather in Buffalo. A home game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on December 23rd, 2022 was rescheduled as a blizzard hit Buffalo over Christmas. A handful of days later, the Sabres vs. Blue Jackets game in Columbus was postponed due to travel restrictions.

The Sabres head into Saturday having won three of their last four games. The Vancouver Canucks come into town boasting the most points in the entire league standings after winning four straight.