Sabres at Canadiens
THE STORY: The new-look Buffalo Sabres have been solid through the first four games of the season. Tuesday, they face their first test against a Northeast Division rival as they visit the Montreal Canadiens. Buffalo has earned six of a possible eight points, doing so with a potent and balanced offense led by sensational winger Thomas Vanek. His seven points rank him among the league leaders, and he'll look to continue his hot start against a Montreal team that has allowed the second-most goals in the division. The Canadiens have only one win in their first four outings and are still looking for their first home victory of the season. They thought they had it last time out, but squandered a late lead on the way to a 6-5 shootout loss to the Colorado Avalanche. The teams split six meetings last season, with four of them decided by a goal.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, MSG-B (Buffalo), TSN, RDS (Montreal)
ABOUT THE SABRES (3-1-0): It took only four games for Luke Adam to surpass what he accomplished in 19 contests last season. The St. John's, Newfoundland, native has already recorded six points - two more than last season - and has looked like a future star on more than one occasion. Adam has three multi-point games to his credit in 2010-11 after recording zero in his brief stint with the Sabres last year.
ABOUT THE CANADIENS (1-2-1): Montreal has traditionally been a strong special teams club, but the Canadiens are losing that battle this season. They have two goals in 16 man-advantage opportunities, while surrendering four goals in 19 shorthanded chances. One of those allowed Colorado to tie the game with just over four minutes left in regulation Saturday after the Canadiens had forged ahead just 2 1/2 minutes earlier.
OVERTIME:
1. Buffalo netminder Ryan Miller has dominated the Canadiens in his career, going 19-8-5 with a 2.33 goals-against average and two shutouts in 32 career meetings.
2. The Sabres have won 11 of their last 14 games against divisional opponents.