Main storyline: The Buffalo Sabres (21-50-9) are in Boston to take on the Bruins (53-18-9) for their final road game of the season. On a five game losing streak, the Sabres enter the final weekend of their regular season, and have just a pair of games remaining.
Season series: Despite the opposite records, the two teams have split the season series so far, taking two games each. In their most recent matchup, Matt D’Agostini scored the game-winning goal in overtime back in February. The Bruins have scored at least four goals in three games against Buffalo this year.
Where they stand: The Bruins are gearing up for the postseason as they have clinched the Eastern Conference and will be one of the teams to beat. The Sabres don’t have anything to play for except for the younger players, who may have an impact in Rochester’s postseason, if the Amerks can sneak in.
Recent performance: The Sabres are coming off a 2-1 loss to the Rangers, a game in which they had a one goal lead. Rick Nash scored the game-winner in the third period and the Sabres couldn’t come back. The Bruins lost their last game by way of a shootout, falling 2-1 to the Jets. Brad Marchand scored the lone Boston goal to put them ahead, but Winnipeg came back late in the game and earned the victory.
Buffalo notes: Buffalo have had a tough go of it in the past couple weeks, dropping their last five games. Despite scoring just eight goals in the past five games, three of them have had a difference of just one goal. While the Sabres have been in each game, they have been unable to take total control or hang on to the lead.
Opponent notes: The month of April, although early, has not been kind to the Bruins, who are looking toward the postseason. Boston have gone 1-1-3 through five games this month and haven’t won at home since March 27th in a 3-0 victory over Chicago. After today’s final home game against Buffalo, the Bruins will close out the regular season tomorrow against New Jersey.
Conclusion: In the final road game of the season, the Sabres are looking to take the series from the Bruins. Today’s game is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. and can be seen on MSG.