Two of the league's top goal scorers go head to head in the 2nd matchup of a 4 game season series between the Penguins and the Sabres. The 6th place Sabres trail the 5th place Penguins by 3 points in the standings, but also have a game in hand.
Coming off of 6-4 loss in Ottawa, Marc Andre Fluery is likely to start after relieving Brent Johnson of his duties mid game last night. Their woes couldn't all be placed on Johnson, however, as Craig Adams explains.
"Typically, we're a lot better defensively than that," Adams said following the loss. "Whether it's defensive zone coverage or plays up the ice and getting caught on rushes and things like that, certainly our details away from the puck weren't very good."
The Penguins haven't recorded a win at home since November 25th, and will likely push very hard to get it done tonight. They might be in for a difficult task, however, as the Buffalo Sabres appear to be building up some momentum.
After struggling mightily at times in November, the Sabres have suddenly earned points in 6 out of their last 7 games, and are coming off their most spirited effort of the season in a 5-4 win over division rival Toronto. Despite their recent successes, Buffalo has not won consecutive games since November 11th.
After the game, Thomas Vanek talked a little bit about what they'll need to do to string together some wins.
"We need to get our swagger back, especially when we have the lead," said Vanek, who leads the Sabres with 16 goals. "Sometimes that's all it takes. There's no miracle to it. Everyone here is a good player, so when we get the lead we have to go for the next one and bury a team. We didn't quite do that, but I think it was a step in the right direction."
A key factor in the game was Buffalo's power play, which managed to put two goals on the board off the sticks of Drew Stafford and Tyler Ennis. The Penguins, however, boast the league's 4th best penalty killing unit, which will likely challenge the Sabres' 11th best power play.
At any rate, it would serve the Sabres well to score first. The Penguins, who are missing Crosy and Staal, will attempt to prevent the game from opening up at all.
"We don't like it that open," defenseman Matt Niskanen said. "Sometimes pucks are going to bounce into your net funny, that happens. But we kind of got away from our game a little bit. We started cheating and looking for offense just a little bit, and that's when bad things can happen."
The Sabres would be wise to keep a close eye on Evgeni Malkin, who has 7 points in his last 4 games. The Penguins will also need to keep a sharp eye on Thomas Vanek, who's scored 4 goals in his last 5 games.
A back to back win is long overdue for the Sabres. I'm calling a low scoring affair, with the Sabres leaving as 2-1 victors.