Main storyline: It has been an ugly losing streak for the Buffalo Sabres (14-27-3), who have lost its last eight games dating back to late December. On Thursday, the Sabres look to snap its losing streak against another struggling team in the Minnesota Wild (18-19-5) at the First Niagara Center.
Season series: This is the second, and last, matchup of the season between the Sabres and Wild. The first game between the two teams in the 2014-15 season came back on November 13 in Minnesota when the Wild beat the Sabres 6-3. Wild forward Nino Niederreiter registered his first career hat-trick in the game. The Sabres have not beaten the Wild since March 24, 2012 when they beat Minnesota 3-1 at the First Niagara Center. Since then, Minnesota has outscored Buffalo 12-5, and have won three straight against the Sabres.
Where they stand: Currently, The Sabres still sit two points out of last place in the National Hockey league standings behind the Edmonton Oilers. The Sabres are now in last place in the East, as the Carolina Hurricanes have now moved ahead of the Sabres with 33 points. For Minnesota, they sit last place in the Central Division with 41 points, and have recently been calling for a head coaching change due to the hard times the team has fallen on.
Recent performance: For the Sabres, the team recently played the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night and lost 3-1 at the First Niagara Center. Mike Weber scored the only goal for the Sabres, and Michal Neuvirth made 27 saves, but the Red Wings spoiled the night in which the Sabres retired the number 39 of Dominik Hasek. The Sabres have been searching for a win since its last win on December 27 against the New York Islanders. For Minnesota, the team registered its sixth straight loss on Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Wild were blown out by the Penguins 7-2 thanks to four third period goals by the Penguins.
Buffalo notes: It has been an all around struggle for the Sabres over the eight game losing skid. Buffalo has been outscored by a 32-9 margin, and have been outshot 268-175 in the eight games. Players have been getting frustrated, and the performances have left head coach Ted Nolan searching for options. Nolan has tried to shake up the lines, sit players, and try new methods, but the Sabres cannot seem to figure it out. At practice on Wednesday, Nolan put defenseman Tyler Myers on the powerplay as a forward, and in front of the net. Both Michal Neuvirth and Jhonas Enroth have had their fair share of ice-time, but both goalies have not helped the team get back on track. It seems as though Jhonas Enroth will get the nod against the Wild, after sitting the last two games. Enroth’s last appearance was a 5-2 loss to the Hurricanes on Raleigh, North Carolina. Chris Stewart is still ill, and may not be able to go again for the Sabres. Brian Gionta is still out with a head injury, but could return to action before the all-star break. Marcus Foligno is not expected to return until after the all-star break with his broken wrist. Cody McCormick will be out long-term with a blood clot in his lung.
Opponent notes: Like the Sabres, the Wild are desperate for a win, and are in need of help on all areas of the ice. Goaltending stinks, offense is not scoring, defense is not helping anyone as well. The Wild’s offense has only scored 10 goals in the six-game skid, and have given up 29 goals to opposing teams. To try and combat the team’s goaltending problems, general manager Chuck Fletcher has traded for goaltender Devan Dubnyk from the Arizona Coyotes. In exchange, the Wild give the Coyotes a third round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft. Dubnyk may get his first start with the Wild on Thursday in Buffalo. The Wild will be without Ryan Suter for two games as he was suspended on Wednesday for an accidental elbow to the head of Penguins forward Steve Downie. With Suter now sitting for two, it makes the team’s defense even more depleted. Injuries to Keith Ballard (concussion), Marco Scandella (upper-body), and Justin Falk (upper-body) have hurt a defense that is already not playing up to par. Matthew Dumba, 2012 first-round pick, has been recalled from the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League. Other injuries to the Wild include center Mikael Granlund (wrist) and goaltender Darcy Kuemper (lower-body).
Conclusion: Which team will end its skid, and get back in the win column on Thursday? Opening face-off is scheduled for 7p.m. The game can be seen on MSG Network, and be heard on WGR 550 A-M.