After an impressive and surprising 6-2 victory over the Penguins on Sunday, the Sabres host the New York Islanders tonight at the First Niagara Center.
The Sabres find themselves seven points out of the playoffs behind the 8th placed Toronto Maple Leafs. A win tonight could propel Buffalo into 11th in the Eastern Conference, while a loss could drop them to dead last.
The Islanders are coming off of a 6-0 loss on home ice against the Senators.
This will be the fourth and final meeting of the season between the teams. The Islanders have earned five of their possible six points against Buffalo. The Sabres have yet to beat them in regulation this season.
The schedule doesn’t get much easier for the Sabres after tonight. After playing a New York team they struggle against, Buffalo will host Boston and the Rangers on back to back nights this weekend. Following that will be a road trip to the west coast.
The Islanders -35 goal differential is worst in the Eastern Conference and is something that the Sabres need to take advantage of.
With the trade deadline less than a week away, many fans are wondering if the Sabres will be buyers or sellers.
There is still over a month of games left, but the schedule gets brutal for Buffalo, convincing many fans to root for a higher draft pick.
Regardless, the Sabres can close the gap with a win tonight and some help from around the NHL.
Tonight’s game is scheduled for 7 p.m.