Buffalo Sabres vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Predictions, Time, Where and How to Watch

The Buffalo Sabres will close their preseason with a road matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday, October 3, 2025. The puck drops at 7:00 PM ET inside PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Fans can catch the action on SportsNet Pittsburgh, MSG, or the NHL Network.

This game is key for Buffalo as they continue preparing for the regular-season opener against the New York Rangers next Thursday. For Pittsburgh, it’s another chance to extend a strong preseason run while fine-tuning line combinations ahead of the new campaign.

Game Preview and Key Lineup Updates

Buffalo gets a boost with the return of defenseman Bowen Byram, who missed time with an upper-body injury but practiced fully this week. He joins a lineup featuring most of the Sabres’ regular skaters, including Tage Thompson and Joshua Norris. Norris leads the team with six points so far in preseason play.

The Sabres are also using this matchup to evaluate three young defensemen — Ryan Johnson, Vsevolod Komarov, and Radim Mrtka. Johnson, a 2019 first-round pick, is close to locking down a full-time NHL spot. Komarov, a 2022 fifth-rounder, impressed with his physicality, while Mrtka — the Sabres’ first-rounder this past summer — has already posted a goal and an assist in preseason play.

Head coach Lindy Ruff expects a healthier blue line by the start of the regular season. Owen Power and Mattias Samuelsson are trending toward returning for Opening Night. Until then, this game is a big chance for the prospects to prove they belong on the roster.

For Pittsburgh, the preseason has been promising despite several injuries. The Penguins are 4-1-1 and riding a four-game winning streak. Philip Tomasino has been the offensive leader with four points, while Tristan Broz tops the team in goals with two. They’ll look to keep momentum rolling despite being short-handed on defense.

Penguins’ Injury Challenges and Depth Test

The Penguins will once again be without several regulars. Jack St. Ivany (lower body) is out at least six weeks, while Bryan Rust is sidelined for a minimum of two weeks. Kevin Hayes and Joel Blomqvist remain unavailable due to injuries suffered earlier in camp. The team is relying on depth players and younger call-ups to fill gaps while keeping their strong preseason run alive.

Buffalo has its own injury concerns, with goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen recovering from a lower-body issue but expected to be ready for Opening Night. Jordan Greenway and Carson Meyer remain unavailable due to longer-term injuries.

Both teams will use this final tune-up to test special teams, finalize roster spots, and find chemistry before the regular season begins next week.

This matchup offers a mix of proven NHL talent and rising prospects, making it an intriguing preseason finale for both franchises.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What time does the Buffalo Sabres vs. Pittsburgh Penguins game start?

The game starts at 7:00 PM ET on Friday, October 3, 2025.

Q2: Where is the Sabres vs. Penguins game being played?

The matchup is at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Q3: How can fans watch Sabres vs. Penguins live?

Fans can watch on SportsNet Pittsburgh, MSG, or NHL Network. Streaming is also available via Fubo.

Q4: Who is returning to Buffalo’s lineup?

Defenseman Bowen Byram returns after recovering from an upper-body injury.

Q5: Who are the key Penguins players to watch?

Philip Tomasino leads Pittsburgh in points, while Tristan Broz is their top goal scorer this preseason.