⏰ 1 p.m. ? MSG ? WGR550
After a difficult 6-5 loss in OT to the Carolina Hurricanes Friday night, the Sabres continue their homestand when they face the Detroit Red Wings this afternoon and look to gain some ground back in the playoff race.
Season series: This matchup is the second of four times these teams will face off, with the previous game resulting in a 3-2 shootout win on the road while still in the midst of their winning streak back in November. While Buffalo sits at 59 points and four points out of the playoffs, Detroit currently has 49 points and only four points out of last place.
Buffalo notes: After comments made by Sam Reinhart and Phil Housley after Thursday’s game that needed to be clarified after yesterday’s practice, they are preparing for a struggling Detroit team to help get some momentum back.
Jeff Skinner continues his tear, with his goal total up to 33 after being paired with Jack Eichel yet again last game, and Reinhart earned two assists while continuing to be paired with Casey Mittelstadt, and hoping that these forward pairings hold for Saturday’s game.
Eichel continues to lead the team, with 57 points (17 goals, 40 assists) in 50 games as the team looks for a spark during this current stretch.
Detroit notes: Although they suffered a close loss on Thursday against the Vegas Golden Knights at home, the team is coming off the heels of a three-game win streak, which the Sabres have not accomplished in a couple months. Detroit (21-26-7) is led by Dylan Larkin with 51 points (22 goals, 29 assists) in 53 games played this season.