Main storyline: After dropping a pair of back-to-back games on home ice, the Sabres begin a West Coast trip by visiting the Anaheim Ducks. Buffalo will try to avoid being shutout for the third consecutive game, which has never happened in franchise history.
Season series: It’s only October, but these two teams will wrap up their season series already. The Ducks were in Buffalo on Columbus Day, when they beat the Sabres by a 5-1 score. Now, the teams are in California for a rematch and their final meeting of the season.
Where they stand: Buffalo and Anaheim are at opposite ends of the standings. With just one win in six games, the Sabres are at the bottom of the Atlantic Division. The Ducks are 5-1 and lead the Pacific Division with 10 points. They are being chased though, as five of the seven teams in that division currently have winning records.
Recent performance: Normally a pair of weekend games on home ice are a good thing, but the Sabres’ offense was non-existent. Buffalo was knocked off by Florida, 1-0, and then outclassed by Boston, 4-0. Anaheim have won five straight contests and are in the midst of a five-game homestand. They’re coming off a 3-0 win over the St. Louis Blues.
Buffalo notes: One of the few bright spots for the Sabres this season has been the goaltending of Jhonas Enroth. He’s come up with big saves, but is not being rewarded. The team hasn’t been able to back him up, and he’s had to stand on his head for his lone win of the season. Sam Reinhart will be back in the lineup as the Sabres search for a goal. Buffalo have not scored a goal in regulation in the last 137 minutes and six seconds of play.
Opponent notes: Breaking that goal scoring drought seems a lot tougher when you look at how Anaheim have been playing. The Ducks have allowed one goal in the past two games combined and are rolling right now with five consecutive victories. They’ll look to stay atop their division as they host Buffalo.
Conclusion: A West Coast trip begins and the Sabres are in search of some scoring. Buffalo have been outscored 22-7 so far this season. Tonight’s game is a 10:30 p.m. start time on the East Coast, and can be seen on MSG.