Preview: Sabres look for back to back wins

Game 55

Buffalo Sabres (27-21-6) vs Winnipeg Jets (34-18-3)

Puck Drop: 3:00 PM EST | KeyBank Center | Buffalo, NY

TV: MSG-B

Radio: WGR 550

SB Nation Jets blog: Arctic Ice Hockey

Know Your Opponent

Winnipeg Jets

Record: (34-18-3) | 71 points

Last 10: 5-4-1

Division Ranking: 1st in Central Division

Conference Ranking: 2nd in the Western Conference

PP: 4th (26.0%)

PK: 16th (79.9%)

What to Watch

1. Turbulent Jets

The Jets come into today’s game on a three-game losing streak. Including a 5-2 loss at the hands of the Ottawa Senators yesterday afternoon. They’ve been outscored 13-6 in their last three games and wrap up a three-game road trip today. The Sabres have to take advantage of a top team that struggling.

2. Start Fast

As I mentioned above the Jets have been struggling. If the Sabres can start quickly and get a multiple goal lead, maybe they can get the visitors to pack it in and get ready for their upcoming three-game home stand.

3. Turning Point

So far on this seven-game home stand the Sabres have picked up five of a possible eight points (2-1-1). A win today gives them seven of a possible 10 points with two more games remaining at home against the New York Islanders and New York Rangers. Another loss could start to make this home stand look like a disaster.

Buffalo Sabres

Forwards

Jeff Skinner - Jack Eichel - Jason Pominville

Conor Sheary - Casey Mittelstadt - Sam Reinhart

Vladimir Sobotka - Evan Rodrigues - Tage Thompson

Zemgus Girgensons - Johan Larsson - Kyle Okposo

Defense

Marco Scandella - Rasmus Ristolainen

Rasmus Dahlin - Zach Bogosian

Lawrence Pilut - Jake McCabe

Starting Goaltender: Carter Hutton

Winnipeg Jets

Forwards

Kyle Connor - Mark Scheifele - Blake Wheeler

Patrik Laine - Brian Little - Jack Roslovic

Mathieu Perrault - Adam Lowry - Brandon Tanev

Brendan Lemieux - Andrew Copp - Mason Appleton

Defense

Ben Chiarot - Dustin Byfuglien

Josh Morrissey - Jacob Trouba

Brendan Morrow - Tyler Myers

Starting Goaltender: Connor Hellebuyck