⏰ 7 p.m. ? NBCSN ? WGR550
The Sabres return home to Buffalo, looking to continue their hot six-game winning streak against the Philadelphia Flyers Wednesday night.
Season series:
This is the first match-up between both teams. Last year, the Flyers won two out of their three games against the Sabres.
Buffalo notes:
The Sabres are coming off their first victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins since April 2013 on Monday night. This is also the first time Buffalo has had a six-game winning streak since January 2010.
Jack Eichel has 24 points, Jeff Skinner still sits at the second place goal scorer in the league with 14 goals, and Jason Pominville has nine goals and 17 points — and many other young players continue to carry their team, currently sitting at third in the Atlantic division.
“There’s a bit of confidence now because we’ve done it a few times,” Eichel said after Monday night’s victory. “I think it’s a trust and a belief in each other. You look at the room, I think the guys are believing the next guy’s going to get the job done and set you up for your shifts.”
Philadelphia notes:
Philly is coming off a three-game losing streak after another disappointing one-point deficit against the Tampa Bay Lightning last week. They’re well-rested and ready to put up a fight, but they’re also missing momentum, especially in goal.
“[Buffalo is] a good team,” Flyers center Sean Couturier said at Tuesday’s practice. “They’re streaking right now. They’ve got a lot of talent, a lot of skill. It’s going to be a tough game, a big challenge. We’ll be ready.”
Starting goaltenders:
With two injured goaltenders in Brian Elliott and Michal Neuvirth, Calvin Pickard was in goal Saturday for the Flyers. Pickard (.852 save percentage and 4.60 goals-against average) has allowed 27 goals in eight games. As a team, the Flyers have the worst save percentage in the league at a combined .880. They’re third in the league in goals-against average is 3.55.
Goalie Alex Lyon, who was called up from the AHL’s Phantoms last week, is expected to make his first NHL start of the season.
“I’ve prepared the right way,” Lyon said after Tuesday’s practice. “I’m just sticking to the same game plan. I just tried to go out and have a really good practice today, and whenever the situation may call, I’ll be ready for it.”
Carter Hutton (2.61 GAA, .917 save percentage) is predicted to once again start for Buffalo. Hutton has been the backbone for the team over their current winning streak, being there when his teammates need him the most by making one huge save after another.