The Buffalo Sabres have the chance to do something tonight that they probably won’t do again all year – complete a season sweep.
This is the third and final game between the Sabres and the Washington Capitals, and the Sabres won the first two games by a 2-1 margin in the shootout. Ryan Miller was spectacular in those two games, but if the Sabres want to sweep tonight it will have to be on the glove hand of Jhonas Enroth.
Enroth will have some, uh, let’s call them “reinforcements” by his side in the form of John Scott and Alexander Sulzer, in for Linus Omark and Jamie McBain. He’ll also have a tired team in front of him, as the Sabres lost in Pittsburgh last night 3-0.
The Capitals found their winning ways recently against the Habs, but that win snapped a seven game winless streak that’s seen the Caps tumble to 13th in the East, though they’re still just three points out of a a playoff spot. They’ve had a few days off to rest for this game against the tired Sabres, and with precious playoff points on the line, the going will be tough for Buffalo.
Game #52
Buffalo Sabres (14-30-7) vs. Washington Capitals (23-21-8)
Puck Drop – 7:30pm EST – First Niagara Center – Buffalo, NY
TV – NBCSN, TSN2 | Radio – WGR 550-AM
SBNation Capitals Blog – Jaspers’ Rink
Two Questions
1. Can the Sabres avoid another slow start?
It’s been a problem for this team for much of the season, especially under Ron Rolston, but Ted Nolan has steadied things out since taking over. However, a lifeless first period didn’t help any against Pittsburgh last night, and with a second game in two days, can the Sabres come out with more energy tonight?
2. Will the Sabres keep the Capitals power play down?
What used to be one of of the league’s best power plays is 1-for-its-last-23. The Sabres PK is actually half-decent, currently ranking #12 in the NHL.
Projected BUF Lines
Moulson – Ennis – Leino
Ott – Hodgson – Girgensons
Foligno – Varone – Flynn
Scott – Konopka – Ellis
Ehrhoff – Sulzer
Myers – Tallinder
Weber – Ruhwedel
Goal: Jhonas Enroth
Scratches/Injuries: McBain, Stafford, McCormick, D’Agostini, Omark
