Main storyline: The Sabres are currently one of the hottest teams in the NHL, having won five of their last six contests including two consecutive wins over the Canadians. While the Lightning have won four straight and lead the Eastern Conference.
Season series: This is the first of five contests between these two teams. Buffalo went 1-3 against the Lightning last season with their lone win coming on March 6, 3-1.
Where they stand: Buffalo currently sits 14th in the East and 27th overall while Tampa Bay is 1st in the East and 1st overall.
Recent performance: Buffalo has scored 18 goals in its last six games including six against Toronto two weeks ago. Tampa Bay has scored 15 goals in their past four contests including four in their last two games.
Buffalo notes: The last time Buffalo hit the ice was a 4-3 shootout victory against the Montreal Canadians. The Sabres received goals from Zemgus Girgensons, Chris Stewart and Brian Flynn, who also netted the shootout winner. Jhonas Enroth was almost a wall in net, stopping 41 of 44 shots to earn the victory. Tyler Myers recorded a team-high 31:34 alongside Tyson Strachan who recorded 30:39.
Opponent notes: Tampa Bay is the number one team in the league right now and rightfully so. They are led by Steven Stamkos (15g, 14a) and Tyler Johnson (8g, 18a). In net for the Lightning, they are led by Ben Bishop who recently stopped 32 of 35 in the victory over the Rangers, 6-3 last night in New York.
Conclusion: While Buffalo looks to build on their win streak, they’ll have a tough opponent in Tampa Bay. The game is at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, NY. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and will be televised on NBCSN