Main storyline: Perhaps the long break is what the Sabres needed in order to break this current 11 game losing streak. Buffalo have not won a game since December 27th, which wasa shootout victory over the Islanders. They have not won in regulation since December 11th, when they defeated the Calgary Flames.
Season series: Tonight’s meeting will close out the brief season series between the two teams. The Sabres won at the First Niagara Center in December with help from Matt Moulson. After tonight, the teams won’t see each other until next season.
Where they stand: Buffalo have dropped all the way down the ladder and are in 30th, two points behind Edmonton. The Flames sit right in the middle of the Pacific Division with 53 points and a 25-19-3 record. They are in striking distance of San Jose and Vancouver, but Anaheim has a strong lead in that division.
Recent performance: The Sabres have found the back of the net recently, but the defense has been almost non-existent. They’ve scored seven goals over the past pair of games, but have allowed 17 over the past three. The Flames finished up a five game road trip just before the All-Star break, and they went 4-1 in those games. Most recently, they dropped a 6-3 decision to the Ducks. The Flames have also lost their past three home games, all by one goal.
Buffalo notes: The Buffalo Sabres have recalled goaltender Matt Hackett from Rochester (AHL) because Michal Neuvirth is out with a lower-body injury suffered during a recent workout. Matt Ellis was also recalled and the Buffalo Sabres have suspended defenseman Nikita Zadorov for an undisclosed amount of games, after he was late reporting to the team following the All-Star Break.
Opponent notes: “We have a chance to play games that will mean something for us,” said Hartley, whose troops currently hold down the second of two wild card spots. “We all understand how goaltending is a big part of the game and we’ve said it right from the starting of training camp. We feel those two guys can carry the load and win some games for us and they’ve been great. Joni (Ortio) took advantage of an injury, got hot and we played him but now [Hiller] will start tomorrow and Karri is fully healthy and in good shape.
Conclusion: The Sabres are in Calgary looking to snap their 11 game losing streak. Remember, tonight’s game is scheduled for 9 p.m. EST and can be seen on MSG.