(AP Photo/ Don Heupel)

The Buffalo Sabres welcomed Patrick Kane and the Chicago Blackhawks into HSBC Arena on Saturday night and it was a day to remember for Kane.  The day started with over 1,000 people at the Blackhawks morning skate cheering on Kane and hoping to get a glimpse of the future NHL superstar.  Before the game the Sabres put on a little pre-game ceremony to honor Kane and local minor hockey, the tribute to minor hockey was a nice touch if you ask me.  It was kind of cool to see Kane's father and grandfather come on the ice alongside the father of Brian Campbell, to drop the opening faceoff.

Kane added to an already memorable night by scoring the games first goal to put the Hawks ahead 1-0.  The goal was truly a goal scorers goal, Kane seen an opening in the defense and skated to the spot and buried his chance after a great pass from Patrick Sharp.  The Sabres were held scoreless through the first period but took control in the second.  Thomas Vanek led the way with a power play goal and an assist on the game winner by Drew Stafford.  Jason Pominville added an empty net goal to give the Sabres a 3-1 victory over the visiting Blackhawks.

The Sabres have won three in a row and are now part of the conversation in the Eastern Conference.  They currently sit in 10th place but they are just six points out of fourth place in the Conference.  It is truly amazing the parity in the league right now as teams can flip flop in the standings on a nightly basis.

The Sabres are off until Wednesday when they take on the NY Islanders at 7pm on Long Island.  The Sabres will look to continue their win streak and try to climb in the standings as well.