⏰ 7 p.m. ? MSG ? WGR550
The Sabres return from the All-Star break to face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. at Nationwide Arena in Columbus.
Season series: This is the second of a three-game season-series between these two clubs. The first meeting came back on October 27th in Columbus where the Sabres lost in overtime by a score of 5-4. The Sabres erased a two-goal deficit in the third period but were unable to contain Artemi Panarin, who scored only 30 seconds into the extra frame. The next meeting between the teams will be in Buffalo at the end of March.
Buffalo notes: The Sabres are coming off an extended break because of their bye-week just before the All-Star game weekend. Their last game, on January 18th, was a crushing 4-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks. They played an overall solid game, but some costly turnovers and missed coverage in the defensive zone put the game out of reach for them. They are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games and currently sit four points out of a playoff spot. Jack Eichel and Jeff Skinner return from San Jose after participating in the All-Star game. Both scored goals while playing on a line with Bruins winger, David Pastrnak, during the 3-on-3 competition.
Columbus notes: The Blue Jackets had two players of their own compete in the All-Star game: Seth Jones and Cam Atkinson. Both are having outstanding seasons and are heavily responsible for the Blue Jackets success so far this season. Columbus currently sits third in the Metropolitan Division with 59 points, one point behind Washington and four behind the division-leading Islanders. They are coming off consecutive losses to the Montreal Canadiens and Minnesota Wild just prior to the All-Star break, but are 6-4 in their last 10 games played.
Starting goaltenders: Sergei Bobrovsky will likely get the start in goal for the Blue Jackets. Hutton will protect the crease for Buffalo.