More photos » Don Heupel - AP

11 months ago: Detroit Red Wings left winger Tomas Holmstrom, of Sweden, right, tries to re-direct the puck in front of Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller and Sabres defenseman Toni Lydman, of Finland, left, during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Buffalo, N.Y. on Monday, April 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)

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For a team that has only scored four goals in three games, this team is inspiring many a fan.  The inspiration has come from a defensive minded team that has allowed three goals in those three games.  Ryan Miller has been red hot in goal where in three games Miller has a .98 GAA and .955 SV%.  The offense also has had their fair share of chances in the first three games, they lead the league in shots/game with 38.7.   This team is inspiring the fanbase and giving hope for a possibly good season by taking five out of a possible six points. 

In terms of the team, the Sabres still will not face roster issues with Andrej Sekera leaving Saturday's game with a rib injury that looks to keep him out of the lineup for a few weeks.  Replacing Sekera in the lineup will be Toni Lydman who makes his first start of the season.  Sekera had struggled a little in his first three games and Lydman should be able to easily replace him in the lineup.  

The Red Wings are suffering their fair share of issues to start the season as well.  After dropping their first two games in Sweden, the Wings came back and won their next two.  In the process, they lost one of their top players in Johan Franzen for four months with a torn ACL.  They are also injuring themselves in practice with Kirk Maltby and Justin Abdelkader running into each other with Maltby suffering a deep thigh bruise.  

This game should be a true test for the Sabres.  The Red Wings are high class team that can create chances at any moment and are fair more dangerous than the last three teams the Sabres have played.  If this team cannot find the back of the net, they will run into serious trouble against this high powered offense.

Keys To The Game

Sabres:  Keep creating chances.  While the Red Wings are good at creating chances and can find the back of the net, if this Sabres team keeps taking shots at the net they eventually have to find the back of the net more than once right?

Red Wings:   Outchance the Sabres.  The Sabres still can't be this hot on defense and forechecking and backchecking.  They will have to falter at some point and the Red Wings have to capitalize on those chances if they are going to be able to win this game.