The Sabres and Hurricanes are facing off the for first of three matchups within the final month and a half, which is significant since both teams are separated by two points and Carolina is in the eighth position in the Eastern Conference. The Sabres have two games in hand on the Hurricanes, so losing this game still doesn't kill the Sabres chances of making the playoffs, but it doesn't help it either. Sports Club Stats says that the Sabres have a 45.5% chance of making the playoffs if they lose and 67.7% chance if they win.
- Buffalo's Thomas Vanek has 21 points (8+13) in 19 career games against the Hurricanes. Vanek was injured during the Rangers game and while he sat out practice yesterday, he should be in the lineup tonight.
- Jeff Skinner still leads all rookies in scoring this year with 47 points (22+25). Skinner should be a front runner for the Calder Trophy and is probably the most dangerous Hurricanes forward to watch for besides Erik Cole.
- The Sabres are 6-2-2 in their last 10 games against the Hurricanes and an even more relaxing 5-1-4 on the road.
Game time is 7:00 pm and can be found on MSG