UPDATE: Blackhawks-Sabres game postponed to … due to weather in Buffalo…
Due to the imminent threat of heavy snowfall in Buffalo, the highly anticipated Blackhawks-Sabres game, originally set to be a TNT national broadcast, has been rescheduled by the NHL. The game, initially slated for Wednesday, will now take place on Thursday at 6 p.m. Chicago time. The decision to postpone comes in response to the hazardous winter weather conditions prevailing in the Western New York region, where snow has been accumulating relentlessly over the past few days, with forecasts predicting an additional foot or more of snow on Wednesday.
The severity of the weather conditions has prompted a temporary travel ban in downtown Buffalo, further underscoring the challenges posed by the extreme winter weather. Despite the logistical hurdles, the Blackhawks managed to land in Buffalo on Tuesday night following their triumphant home game against the Sharks. However, the unforeseen circumstances will now extend their stay in Buffalo by an extra day, setting the stage for an unexpected back-to-back scenario as they are scheduled to host the Islanders at the United Center on Friday.
Erie County executive Mark Poloncarz openly appealed to the NHL to consider postponing the game earlier in the day, emphasizing the safety concerns associated with the adverse weather conditions. While there might have been initial hesitations, especially given the game’s designation as a TNT national broadcast, the league ultimately prioritized the well-being of the players and fans by making the prudent decision to reschedule.
As Thursday approaches, the Blackhawks find themselves gearing up to secure their first victory in Buffalo since February 2019. The team has faced setbacks in their previous two visits to Buffalo, succumbing to defeats in overtime. With the postponement providing an additional day for preparation and recovery, the Blackhawks will look to break their Buffalo losing streak and capitalize on the opportunity to showcase their prowess on the ice.
In summary, the Blackhawks-Sabres game has been rescheduled due to the impending winter weather conditions in Buffalo, reflecting the NHL’s commitment to prioritizing safety. The decision, though potentially impacting broadcasting plans, aligns with the league’s responsibility to ensure the well-being of all involved parties. The unexpected back-to-back situation for the Blackhawks adds an element of challenge, but it also presents an opportunity for the team to demonstrate resilience and secure a long-awaited victory in Buffalo.
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