Despite numerous injuries and a shutout loss to the Panthers, the Sabres have had success since the Olympics came to an end. Buffalo have been 4-2 since the break while Chicago comes in 2-2 since then.
This will be the 2nd and final meeting of the season between the two teams. Chicago took the first game way back in October, winning that by a 2-1 score. Patrick Kane recored the game-winner and Ryan Miller made 38 saves in the loss.
Newly acquired player Rostislav Klesla may no longer be a part of the future plans for Buffalo. The 31-year-old made the decision to take some time off.
“With all due respect to the Sabres organization, I decided this week not to continue playing hockey this season. It has been a tough year for injury and moving several times to new teams,” Klesla said.
“I will now take some time off and get ready to continue my career in Europe. I would like to thank my fans and all the people that have helped me. I am grateful for the career I have had in the NHL and all the people that I have met along the way who have supported me and my family.”
The Blackhawks come in as one of the league’s best teams as this looks like a mismatch on paper. Buffalo lost by just one goal in the first meeting, but can still manage to hang with Chicago.
The biggest name tonight will be Buffalo native Patrick Kane, who leads his team with 65 points and six game-winning goals. Patrick Sharp has 29 goals, but that’s just the start of a potent Blackhawks team. The Sabres will have to keep an eye on others such as Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa, Duncan Keith, just to name a few.
Jhonas Enroth is expected to get the start in goal for Buffalo while Corey Crawford has been confirmed to start the game. This is another Nationally televised contest, and the Sabres will have just one more remaining after this one.
Tonight’s game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and can be seen on the NBCSN.