[1:00 PM] Bruins @ Sabres

Who will WIN this matchup?

Boston Bruins (13-10-1)

@ Buffalo Sabres (9-9-5)

 

Starting Goalies:

Tuukka Rask (BOS): Unconfirmed

Robin Lehner (BUF): Confirmed

 

• The return of Jack Eichel has provided an immediate jolt to the Buffalo Sabres, who look to match a season high when they go for their third straight victory against the visiting Boston Bruins on Saturday afternoon. Buffalo has the fewest goals in the league but has scored nine times in two games with Eichel back in the lineup.

• Captain Zdeno Chara (lower body) reported improvement in his condition Friday, but the towering defenseman will sit out his sixth consecutive game Saturday. Another possible injury concern is center Patrice Bergeron, who was not at practice on Friday but will accompany the team to Buffalo, according to Boston coach Claude Julien. Ryan Spooner centered Brad Marchard and David Pastrnak at practice while Swedish forward Anton Blidh was recalled from the minors.

• Eichel sat out the first 21 games due to a high ankle sprain but made a memorable home debut by scoring a pair of third-period goals to topple the Metropolitan-leading New York Rangers on Thursday. Robin Lehner, who was injured versus Ottawa on Tuesday, will be back in net – although he’s 3-7-3 lifetime against the Bruins.

• Eichel has a seven-game point streak dating to last season.

• Bruins G Tuukka Rask is 10-5-1 with a 2.19 goals-against average versus the Sabres after blanking them last month.

• Buffalo is 4-for-7 on the power play over the past two games.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Boston Bruins

Confidence: 4/10

Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
Previous Pick
Next Pick