When it comes to clutch moments, Peyton Krebs seems to shine brightest precisely when his team needs him the most. But here's where it gets intriguing—what makes Krebs particularly effective in high-pressure situations, and how does his knack for empty net goals make a real difference? Surprisingly, only two players in the entire NHL have scored more empty net goals this season than Krebs—Nate MacKinnon and Brandon Hagel, who both have five, while Krebs has four. Interestingly, four out of his six total goals have come after the opposing team has pulled their goalie for that extra attacker, usually in a desperate bid to tie the game.
Throughout his career, Krebs has frequently shared ice time with virtually every forward on his team at some point during the season. When it comes to ending games—and especially in those critical final moments—coach Lindy Ruff emphasizes Krebs' earned opportunity:
"He’s proven himself; partly, it's because having that additional centerman on the ice helps. Krebs has played alongside players like Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch for extended stretches, so he’s pretty familiar with that role. Part of his edge is his incredible work rate, his relentless puck pursuit, and his tenacious battling—traits that make a strong case for his presence in those key moments."
For years, the team struggled to capitalize on empty net chances, often costing themselves wins. This season, however, they’ve tallied 14 goals with the empty net—only two teams have more, tallying 15. Ruff explains that they've dedicated practice time to mastering these situations:
"Early on, we focused heavily on practicing end zone plays, trying to anticipate our defense's moves and when to seize opportunities. Usually, the opposing team is desperate to keep the puck in our zone, which can create openings behind them. We've gotten better at supporting each other in zone, blocking shots, and recognizing when to go for that final push. That’s how opportunities develop."
Unbeknownst to Krebs, he’s just one goal shy of leading the entire NHL in empty net goals. When asked about his mindset, Krebs shares his humble approach:
"I just try to play the right way—do the right things on the ice. When those chances come, and we’re winning games, I see them as bonus opportunities. My main focus is always preventing goals; the rest just happens naturally."
He also acknowledges the risk involved: missing an empty net shot can give the opponent a second life—and a chance to quickly score in response.
Krebs has earned the trust to be on the ice in these crucial moments because of his relentless competitiveness and work ethic:
"I give it my all and think my hustle and desire to win help a lot. When I’m out there, that’s the goal—give everything I’ve got."
Meanwhile, Rasmus Dahlin missed practice after blocking a shot late Thursday in Montreal. Coach Ruff sounded optimistic:
"We believe he’ll be okay. It was just a maintenance day."
On the goaltending front, Alex Lyon has been exceptional, often indicating he’ll be starting—especially with his recent streak of eight consecutive wins. His season record stands at 11-6-3, with a goals-against average of 2.83 and a save percentage of .907.
Since losing their initial game on Monday against Carolina, the Sabres have gone 2-1-0 on this road trip. Overall, they’ve demonstrated impressive away performance, with a 10-2-0 record over their last 12 road games, and 17 wins in their last 21 games overall. Currently, they are positioned as the top Wild Card team in the Eastern Conference.
Right before Christmas, they beat the New York Islanders in Buffalo, a 3-2 victory that came via shootout. The Islanders, holding the third spot in the Metropolitan Division with a .590 points percentage, had been off since their loss to Seattle (4-1) on Wednesday. Their recent trip record was 3-3-1.
A key strength for the Islanders has been their goaltending. Ilya Sorokin sports a record of 16-12-2 with a 2.51 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage. His counterpart, David Rittich, holds an 11-6-3 record, with a goals-against of 2.49 and a save percentage of .906. The team ranks fourth in the NHL for lowest goals against, giving up an average of 2.72.
Offensively, Mat Barzal leads the Islanders in scoring with 41 points across 49 games.
Don’t miss the pregame coverage this Saturday starting at noon with Brian Koziol and me. We’ll feature interviews with coach Lindy Ruff, Krebs, and Beck Malenstyn.
Friday’s Line Combinations:
- Doan - Thompson - Tuch
- Benson - Ostlund - Helenius
- Kozak - Krebs - Malenstyn
- Zucker - McLeod - Quinn
Defense:
- Byram - Power
- Samuelsson - Kesselring
- Greenway - Metsa
In this story, Krebs’ ability to step up under pressure highlights an essential trait many teams dream of in their players. His success in empty net situations not only boosts his team’s chances but also underscores how vital mental toughness and relentless effort are in winning close games. Are these qualities enough to secure victory in the most tense moments, or does luck play a bigger role? Do you agree with the idea that players like Krebs are the real game-changers, or do some argue that clutch moments are more about circumstance than skill? Share your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from settled.
