[open thread] Sabres vs. Senators

Time: 7:00 TV: MSG(HD) Radio: WGR55

The Sabres and Senators will meet for the third time this season, both teams having won at home.  The Sabres come in to the game having won six games in a row and three at home.  They have won seven of their last nine home games as well.  Despite their recent success the Sabres still trail the Senators by 11 points in the Northeast Division.  The Sabres trail because of their slow start to the season but have gone 8-3-0 in December to equal the 16 points that Ottawa has earned in the month of December.  Special teams could be a big factor tonight as Buffalo has the seventh ranked power play in the league while Ottawa has the seventh ranked penalty kill.  The sens come in with the 14th ranked power play and Buffalo is the 12th ranked penalty kill.  Ales Kotalik has been key on the power play with seven of his 11 goals coming while on the power play and Jaros Spacek has six power play goals.

Team Leaders

Buffalo Sabres

• Goals:Derek Roy 13

• Points: Jason Pominville 30

• +/-: Derek Roy +9

• PIM: Paul Gaustad 51

Ottawa Senators

• Goals:  Dany Heatley 22

• Points:  Daniel Alfredsson 46

• +/-: Dany Heatley +32

• PIM: Chris Neil 89

Projected Line combinations

Buffalo Forwards
26-Vanek, 9-Roy, 21-Stafford
55-Hecht, 19-Connolly, 29-Pominville
12-Kotalik, 28-Gaustad, 61-Afinogenov
76-Peters, 22-Mair, 20-Paille

Buffalo Defensemen
6-Spacek, 51-Campbell
5-Lydman, 10-Tallinder
45-Kalinin,38-Paetsch

Goaltenders
30-Miller, 35-Thibault

As per usual this thread is meant to spur conversation and create a Buffalo Sabres community.  If you're watching the game you might as well join us and chat a little bit.  I highly recommend you create a free account and grab a beer and join us for some good conversation.