It hasn’t exactly been one of the Sabres months to remember as we head into spring. Buffalo is on a seven game losing streak and is all but securing a high pick in the draft.
This is the second and final time Buffalo will play Edmonton this season. The Oilers took the earlier meeting in February by a 3-2 score, with Matt Hendricks netting the game-winning goal.
Nathan Lieuwen allowed three goals in Tuesday’s loss to Calgary after going 60 minutes of holding opponents off the board to begin his NHL career. Matt Hackett is expected to get the start tonight, though.
Hackett has also struggled as of late and the goaltending carousel continues in Buffalo. Jhonas Enroth and Michal Neuvirth are out with injuries, so Hackett will be another starting goalie the Sabres have used this season.
“It’s all about the evaluation period going forward here,” Nolan said. “Hackett has come in with good credentials from the beginning so we’ll put him in and see what he has.”
The Oilers are 5-3-2 in their last 10 games and right near the bottom of the standings as well. While it’s not likely the Sabres will pass any teams in points, the Oilers were one that they had a chance to, at least earlier this season.
However, the Oilers have been playing better hockey as of late as they are 3-1-1 in the last five games on home ice. With only 176 goals for Edmonton, it still has much more than the Sabres, who have 133.
Drew Stafford and Tyler Ennis have been the only Sabres to score during the seven game losing streak.
Tonight’s game is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. and can be seen on MSG.