Game 56

Buffalo Sabres (24-23-8) vs. Anaheim Ducks (22-26-7)

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

TV: MSG

Radio: WGR 550

SB Nation Ducks Blog: Anaheim Calling

Know Your Opponent

Anaheim Ducks

Record: (22-26-7) | 51 PTS

Last 10: 5-3-2

Division Ranking: 7th in Pacific Division

Conference Ranking: 14th in Western Conference

PP: 31st (14.5%)

PK: 23rd (77.7%)

What to Watch

1. Winning Streak?

The Sabres have a chance to win back to back games today for the first time since January 14th and 16th. Like the Sabres, the Ducks have had a tough season. This game provides the Sabres a good chance to string a few together. After today, they have the next three at home against the Detroit Red Wings, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

2. Skinner Drought

Is tonight finally the night that Jeff Skinner breaks his scoring drought? He’s now on 17 games without a goal. The last time he scored was over two months ago on December 2nd against the New Jersey Devils. He’ll be on a line today with Conor Sheary and Evan Rodrigues.

Projected Lineup

Buffalo Sabres

Forwards

Jimmy Vesey – Jack Eichel – Sam Reinhart

Jeff Skinner – Evan Rodrigues – Conor Sheary

Michael Frolik – Curtis Lazar – Marcus Johansson

Zemgus Girgensons – Johan Larsson – Scott Wilson

Defense

Brandon Montour – Rasmus Ristolainen

Rasmus Dahlin – Colin Miller

Jake McCabe – Henri Jokiharju

Starting Goaltender: Carter Hutton (projected)

Anaheim Ducks

Forwards

Rickard Rakell – Ryan Getzlaf – Jakob Silfverberg

Max Jones – Sam Steel – Ondrej Kase

Nick Ritchie – Adam Henrique – Troy Terry

Nic Deslauriers – Derek Grant – Carter Rowney

Defense

Hampus Lindholm – Erik Gudbranson

Cam Fowler – Josh Manson

Jacob Larsson – Michael Del Zotto

Starting Goaltender: John Gibson (projected)