Main storyline: The Sabres are in Chicago to take on the Blackhawks for their home opener tonight. Buffalo is off to an 0-1 start after a 3-1 loss to Columbus and the Blackhawks are 1-0 following a 3-2 victory in Dallas.
Season series: Tonight’s game will be the first of two meetings between the teams this season. They won’t meet again until April, when the Sabres host the Blackhawks in April. Buffalo haven’t been able to defeat Chicago in the last five tries, but will look to do so in tonight’s contest.
Where they stand: An 0-1 start puts the Sabres at the bottom of the Atlantic Division, and because of goal differential, they’re listed in eighth place. Chicago sits in fourth in their division after their shootout win.
Recent performance: Jhonas Enroth faced 40 shots in the season opening loss to the Blue Jackets while Zemgus Girgensons recorded Buffalo’s first goal of the season on an impressive play in the 2nd period. The Blackhawks knotted the game midway through the third period and Patrick Kane scored the only goal of the shootout to give his team the win.
Buffalo notes: After being heavily outshot in the opener, the Sabres look to recover from a performance that Ted Nolan wasn’t exactly pleased with. “I didn’t our effort tonight,” Nolan said. “I thought it was OK at best. I don’t know what it was. I think the guys really wanted to do it. Maybe there were too [many] jitters about the home opener, too much hype about it. Sometimes when there’s too much hype, you just don’t match it.”
Opponent notes: The Blackhawks begin a four game homestand through the next 11 days, giving the team a few days off in between each game. Patrick Sharp and Duncan Keith lead the team with a quick two points and Corey Crawford will be in goal once again.
Conclusion: The Blackhawks have had the Sabres’ number in recent history and will aim to keep that going tonight on home ice. The Sabres look to avoid an 0-2 start as they play their first road game. Tonight’s contest is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. and can be seen on MSG.