After edging out the Carolina Hurricanes by a 1-0 score at the RBC Center on Friday night, the Sabres return home to host the Phoenix Coyotes for the only meeting between the teams this season.
The Sabres won the lone meeting last season, thanks to Drew Stafford’s overtime winner and a 33 save night from Ryan Miller.
The Coyotes are in the midst of a five game road trip, but had Friday off. The Sabres will have to endure the challenge of playing in back-to-back games in order to win tonight.
If the are able to pull off a victory tonight, the Sabres have an opportunity to take first place in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia, who are one point ahead, are visiting Winnipeg this afternoon. It would take some scoreboard help from Philadelphia and Washington, but it is a possibility.
Jhonas Enroth will be get the start for Buffalo after his 34 save shutout against Carolina last night.
“After a game when you play like that, you just want to get out there again,” Enroth said. “I’m happy I got the start right after that game.”
Mike Smith will likely get the start in net for Phoenix. Smith is 8-3-3 on the season with a 2.17 goals against and a .934 save percentage. Smith made 40 saves last game against the Flyers, but the Coyotes fell 2-1.
Faceoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight at the First Niagara Center.