Blackhawks at Sabres
The Chicago Blackhawks are finding out how the other half lives, playing out the string and set to miss the postseason for the first time since 2007-08. With three weeks left in the season, the Blackhawks are buried in the Central Division cellar as they prepare to visit another last-place club in the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday afternoon.
While they share similar spots in the standings, Chicago and Buffalo have been miles apart over the past decade. The Blackhawks have captured three Stanley Cups and won 12 consecutive meetings in the series, last losing to the Sabres in December 2009. "I don’t think that’s anything we want to create in here, where losing is acceptable and if we lose a game, it’s OK because of the position we’re in,” said Chicago forward Patrick Kane, who grew up in Buffalo. Losers of the first two on their six-game homestand, the Sabres are looking forward to the imminent return of star center Jack Eichel, who has been sidelined for the past five weeks.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, NHL Network, WGN (Chicago), MSG-Buffalo
ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (30-33-8): The absence of starting netminder Corey Crawford, out since Dec. 23, continues to be glaring as Chicago allowed at least six goals for the fourth time in eight games in Thursday's 6-2 loss at Winnipeg. Anton Forsberg was pulled after giving up three goals on six shots -- the sixth time in 27 starts he was yanked -- and was relieved by J-F Forsberg, who will get the nod Saturday after allowing six goals in his last start. Kane has collected 14 points over his last 13 games.
ABOUT THE SABRES (22-26-8): Eichel, who remains the team's leading scorer despite his lengthy absence due to the high-ankle sprain, practiced Friday and has been listed as a game-time decision for Saturday's matchup. "We'll re-evaluate that tomorrow, we'll see what the day brings," coach Phil Housley said. "It was another good practice, a lot of bumping and grinding. We'll see how his ankle responds to that." Forward Kyle Okposo, out the past two games with a concussion, also returned to practice on Friday.
OVERTIME
1. Sabres backup G Chad Johnson will get the start Saturday.
2. Kane has eight goals and 15 points in 14 games against Buffalo.
3. Sabres F Ryan O'Reilly needs one goal to reach 20 for the third straight season.