Buffalo Sabres (5-8-4)
The Buffalo Sabres — similarly to the New York Islanders, who the Pittsburgh Penguins just beat — aren’t having the greatest start to their season. Currently on a six-game losing streak, the Sabres are looking to turn their season around against one of the best teams in the league.
Injuries haven’t helped Buffalo, with center Ryan O’Reilly set to miss his fourth game with an oblique injury — he’s missed four of the Sabres’ last five games. To help deal with all the injuries, a number of players have been called up from the AHL, including Ryan’s brother, Cal O’Reilly.
“I think it’s important you put players in situations and opportunities they can help,” said Sabres head coach Dan Bylsma, the former Penguins coach. “Cal is that guy. He’s almost a point-a-game guy. He has poise and confidence with the puck.”
Pittsburgh Penguins (11-4-2)
Marc-Andre Fleury has been confirmed as Pittsburgh’s starting netminder for this evening’s game. After his poor performance last time out against the Capitals, Fleury will be looking to put that in the past and focus on the next challenge ahead.
However, it looks as though the Penguins will be playing once again without winger Patric Hornqvist, who missed all of Friday’s game due to a concussion. While no timetable has been set on his return, there have been no indications that any complications have arisen.
Look for Sidney Crosby to continue his dominance against Buffalo. All-time, Crosby has 49 points (14 G, 35 A) in 31 regular season games. Pittsburgh will also need to take advantage of any powerplay it gets — a part of the Penguins’ game that has been an area of concern for much of the season.
Where: First Niagara Center, Buffalo, NY
When: Saturday, November 19 @ 7:00 p.m. EST
Watch: MSG-B, ROOT, NHL.TV
Image credit: Don Wright/AP
