Game 74

Buffalo Sabres (31-34-9) vs. New Jersey Devils (28-39-9)

Puck Drop: 7:00 PM | Prudential Center | Newark, NJ

TV: MSG-B, MSG+

Radio: WGR 550

SB Nation Devils Blog: All About the Jersey

Know Your Opponent

New Jersey Devils

Record: 28-39-9

Last 10: 3-6-1

Division Ranking: 8th in the Metropolitan Division

Conference Ranking: 14th in the Eastern Conference

PP: 21st (17%)

PK: 3rd (84.4%)

What to Watch

1. Jack Eichel’s career high continues

It goes without saying, but captain Jack is having a great season – despite the team’s struggles to improve year to year. Eichel is just shy one goal of 100 in his NHL career and tonight could be that special night.

2. Lawrence Pilut called up

Pilut has been called back up to the Sabres’ roster from Rochester as of Sunday, but it is unclear who he will be paired up with on defense. Head Coach Phil Housley had forward Casey Mittelstadt paired up with Rasmus Ristolainen during Sunday’s practice while Zach Bogosian took a rest day. In other words? Anything is possible, ladies and gentlemen.

3. Looking for a win…or not?

With Saturday’s embarrassing loss to Montreal, Buffalo has officially been knocked out of the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season. With only four other teams in the NHL with less points this season, fans are probably scratching their heads asking, ‘what 10-game win streak?’ While this is not something to watch, per se, fans may want to keep the NHL Draft Lottery in mind during tonight’s game – which will take place in a few short weeks on April 9th in Toronto. Tank 2.0?

Buffalo Sabres

Forwards

Conor Sheary – Jack Eichel – Alex Nylander

Jeff Skinner – Evan Rodrigues – Sam Reinhart

Tage Thompson – Vladimir Sobotka – Jason Pominville

Zemgus Girgensons – Johan Larsson – Kyle Okposo

Defense

Zach Bogosian – Rasmus Ristolainen

Rasmus Dahlin – Brandon Montour

Marco Scandella – Casey Nelson

Starting Goaltender: Carter Hutton (expected)

New Jersey Devils

Forwards

Kenny Agostino – Nico Hischier – Kyle Palmieri

Blake Coleman – Travis Zajac – Stefan Noesen

Miles Wood – Pavel Zacha – Drew Stafford

John Quenneville – Kevin Rooney – Michael McLeod

Defense

Mirco Mueller – Sami Vatanen

Andy Greene – Damon Severson

Steven Santini – Connor Carrick

Starting Goaltender: Cory Schneider (expected)