Sabres vs Canucks Game Preview: Back at Home

Game #8

Buffalo Sabres (1-4-2) vs. Vancouver Canucks (2-3-1)

Puck drop: 7:00 p.m. EST | Key Bank Center | Buffalo, NY

TV: MSG

Radio: WGR 550

SB Nation Canucks blog: Nucks Misconduct

What to Watch

1. Can the Sabres jump on the Canucks early?

Vancouver is in the midst of a five-game eastern road trip and played last night in Boston losing 6-3 to the Bruins. Tonight will also be the third game in four nights for the visitors, while the Sabres haven’t played since Tuesday in Vegas. Buffalo needs to take advantage of what will likely be a tired Canucks team from the opening puck drop.

2. Justin Bailey getting a chance in the top six.

Bailey had some good moments in his two games he’s played with the Sabres. He’ll be rewarded for that tonight playing on a line with Ryan O’Reilly and Kyle Okposo. We’ll see how the 22-year-old performs with the opportunity.

3. Victor Antipin is free.

It looks likely Antipin will get back in the lineup tonight after sitting out the last four. Josh Gorges will be unable to play and call-up Taylor Fedun will be the extra defenseman who’ll be scratched barring an injury in warmups.

Projected Lineup

9 Evander Kane - 15 Jack Eichel - 29 Jason Pominville

95 Justin Bailey - 90 Ryan O’Reilly - 21 Kyle Okposo

67 Benoit Pouliot - 23 Sam Reinhart - 25 Seth Griffith

26 Matt Moulson - 22 Johan Larsson - 17 Jordan Nolan

55 Rasmus Ristolainen - 6 Marco Scandella

5 Matt Tennyson - 82 Nathan Beaulieu

19 Jake McCabe - 93 Victor Antipin

Starting Goaltender: 31 Chad Johnson