After two straight victories this week against Carolina and Boston, the Sabres are back at it tonight as they host the San Jose Sharks. This is the third consecutive home game for the Sabres, who have found a way to win a couple close ones for their fans recently.
With the trade deadline less than a week away, this game could have a little extra attention on it as Ryan Miller is expected to get the start in net. It’s almost inevitable that the Sabres’ top goaltender will be traded, and if he is, this would be his final start in front of the Buffalo fans.
“I think everyone in Buffalo kind of knows how I feel about the city,” Miller said. “I’ve always enjoyed the people. I’ve always enjoyed the city. Big love for the city in my heart.”
Miller isn’t the only one whose name has been rumored in trades.
“All these guys maybe have excuses or reasons to say, ‘Hey, it’s a matter of time before we leave’No, they’re not doing that,” Nolan said. “They’re paying attention to what they have to do right here right now.”
The Sharks are coming off of a big 7-3 win in Philadelphia on Thursday night. Joe Pavelski led his team with a hat trick while goaltender Alex Stalock earned the win.
The two teams met earlier this season, with Buffalo edging out the Sharks in a shootout, and winning 5-4. This will be the last meeting of the season.
Buffalo has a chance to do something it hasn’t done all season. A win tonight would give them a three-game winning streak. They’ve gone 0-2 when this year when attempting to make it three straight victories.
While Pavelski leads the Sharks with 32 goals, he is not the only player the Sabres will have to keep an eye on. Joe Thornton has only found the back of the net eight times this year, but he’s piled up 49 assists in 60 games. San Jose also has Patrick Marleau and Logan Couture, who can chip in often.
Tonight’s game is scheduled for 7 p.m. and can be seen on MSG.