Main storyline: After a few days off, the Sabres are finally back in action tonight as they head to the Nation’s capital for a meeting against Washington at the Verizon center.
Season series: Tonight is the first meeting of the season between the teams. Last season, all three games were decided by a goal.
Where they stand: The Sabres sit in the third spot in the Atlantic Division and are looking to clinch a playoff spot for the first time in five years. The Maple Leafs are just two points behind them with a game in hand, and will try to jump into the final playoff spot with a win tonight.
Recent performance: For the first time this season, the Sabres have put together a pair of consecutive victories. A 6-2 win over the Maple Leafs and a 4-1 victory against the Sharks has the Sabres looking their best they have all season to this point. The capitals are on a two-game winning streak of their own, defeating the Coyotes and Avalanche, each by a goal to conclude their three game road trip.
Buffalo notes: The Sabres are looking for their third straight victory, but haven’t played since Tuesday. Patrick Kaleta and Andre Benoit are scratched, while Josh Gorges and Michal Neuvirth are injured.
“They’re starting to come together as a team and they’re a lot better team than people are giving them credit for,” Trotz said. “Buffalo is such a young team and in some ways rebuilding, but they’re still a good team right now. They’re playing well. They’ve outscored their opponents 10-3 in the last two games. That should say it all right there.”
Opponent notes: The Capitals are coming off of a mini west coast trip, where they finished 1-2. After falling to the Blues 4-1, they rebounded for a pair of wins in Colorado and Arizona. Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom lead the team with 18 points apiece.
Conclusion: The Capitals are returning home and the Sabres are returning to the ice for the first meeting of the season. Tonight’s game is scheduled for 7 p.m. and can be seen on MSG.