Main storyline: The Buffalo Sabres (9-14-2) are picking up steam as they have gone 6-4-0 in their last ten. They rose to 26th in the league after defeating the Lightning 2 to 1 on Tuesday night. Tonight, Buffalo looks to continue their winning ways as they visit the league-leading Tamp Bay Lightning (17-6-3) to complete a home and home stand-off between the clubs.
Season series: Tonight will mark the second time the two clubs meet in a three day span. The Sabres trumped the Lightning on Tuesday night 2 to 1 in the shootout. Jhonas Enroth was exceptional in that game by allowing only 1 goal on 28 shots through regulation and overtime, and remaining perfect on 2 shootout attempts. After tonight, Buffalo and Tampa Bay will meet three more times this season.
Where they stand: The Sabres currently sit at 26th with 20 points after posting a 6-4-0 record in their last 10 games. Despite their ability to come away above .500, the team has still been atrocious in this 10 game span. Most notably with special teams. Over this 10 game span the Sabres only potted 3 goals on 24 power play opportunities, good for 12.5%, while also allowing a short handed goal. On 36 shorthanded chances, the Sabres gave up 11 goals, which is good for a 69.4% penalty kill percentage. They will need to drastically improve their special teams play if they wish to sustain their winning ways.
Recent performance: The Sabres came out victorious in their last game, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 2 to 1 in a shootout. Zemgus Girgensons score the tying goal with less than 4 minutes left in regulation to propel the Sabres into overtime. Jhonas Enroth made 2 saves in overtime and 2 more in the shootout to secure the win.
Buffalo notes: Buffalo enters the game riding a three game winning streak. If Buffalo extends their streak to 4 games they will have to complete 2 home and home sweeps against 2 of the leagues best teams, the Canadiens and Lightning. Zemgus Girgensons continues to be a diamond in the rough for the Sabres. After scoring the tying goal last night, Girgensons has taken the team lead in goals with 8 and sits only 2 points behind Tyler Ennis in points with 14. Buffalo will likely be without Drew Stafford again, as he is practicing in a non-contact sweater.
Opponent notes: After the loss on Tuesday night the Lightning remain in first place in the league with 37 points, one point ahead of the Penguins, Islanders, and Canadiens. The Lightning will continue to look to their young core for scoring. Tyler Johnson has 2 goals and 4 assists in the past 4 games while Ondrej Palat has 2 goals and 1 assist in the same span.
Conclusion: The Sabres will take on the league leading Tampa Bay Lightning for the second time in three nights and will look to come away with a second win. The Lightning will look to continue their winning ways while at home, where they post a 10-2-1 record. Puck drop is at 7:30 pm and can be watched on MSG.