The Buffalo Sabres (13-27-7) have been lighting up the lamp lately, but have not been able to get a win in three straight games. Tonight, Buffalo will look to snap their skid against the Florida Panthers (19-23-7) from the First Niagara Center.
In Buffalo’s last game on Saturday, Tyler Myers and Tyler Ennis shined brightly on the ice. Myers had the game’s opening goal, and tied the game with 24.9 seconds left in the third period. Tyler Ennis had seven shots in the game, and assisted on Buffalo’s first two goals. Ted Nolan was impressed with both players’ performances, and hopes to continue getting the consistency from both.
“I don’t know which one played better,” said Nolan following the game. “I think if you flip a coin, it would probably land on its side. They both played a great game for us tonight.”
Ryan Miller has been very impressive during regulation and overtime over the last two games, but the shootout has been a struggle. In the past six shooters Miller has faced, he has given up four goals. However, Miller has put up a 6-1-3 record with a 1.06 GAA and a .941 save-percentage over the past 10 games.
For the Panthers, they are coming off of a 5-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday night. Since the New Year began, Florida is 4-3-1, with one of their wins coming against the Sabres on January 9in a shootout. Former Sabre, Brad Boyes was a thorn in Buffalo’s side that night, as he scored the game tying goal in the third and eventually the game-winning goal in the shootout. Florida’s rookie center, Aleksander Barkov has been the team’s leading scorer, and is in contention to win Rookie of the Year honors in the NHL.
Buffalo is getting healthier, and could have some bodies back for games this week. Henrik Tallinder is going to be a game-time decision for the game with his hand injury. Kevin Porter and Cody McCormick have been practicing, and could be ready to return later in the week. Matt D’Agostini is still injured and could be out for one more week. D’Agostini could be placed on injured reserve if Tallinder is ready to play tonight.
For Florida, they remain relatively healthy with the exception of a couple of depth players. Dylan Olsen (lower body) and Alex Petrovic (upper body) are all on injured reserve and out indefinitely.
Buffalo will look to Ryan Miller once again in the nets, while Tim Thomas is expected to start after back up, Scott Clemmensen started Monday in Pittsburgh.
Opening faceoff is expected to drop shortly after 7pm. The game can be seen on MSG and heard on WGR 550 AM.