Sabres at Hurricanes
THE STORY: After snapping a three-game losing skid, the Buffalo Sabres will attempt to put an end to an ever larger streak. The Sabres will vie for their first road win in six contests when they invade the Tar Heel State to face the struggling Carolina Hurricanes on Friday. Coach Lindy Ruff's club has enjoyed success in Carolina, posting an 8-1-5 mark in its last 14 games. The Sabres may also receive a boost with the return of former Calder Trophy winner Tyler Myers, who has been sidelined for 19 contests with a broken right wrist. "I feel as good as I can be,” Myers said. “I have that peace of mind that I can really bear down on it.” Speaking of bearing down, the Hurricanes need to do so if they hope to salvage this season. Eastern Conference-cellar dwelling Carolina has dropped two in a row and saw its three-game home winning streak come to an end with a 4-3 shootout loss to the New York Islanders on Tuesday.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG Buffalo
ABOUT THE SABRES (18-17-4): Buffalo secured its second win in eight games after posting a 4-3 triumph over the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday. Right wing Drew Stafford snapped a seven-game goalless skid and added a pair of assists in the victory. Stafford's three-point effort matched his production in his previous seven games. Former Vezina Trophy winner Ryan Miller struggled in the teams' first meeting this season - a 4-3 loss on Oct. 14 - but has posted an 11-6-4 career mark versus Carolina. Goaltender Jhonas Enroth stopped all 34 shots in a 1-0 victory over the Hurricanes on Nov. 18.
ABOUT THE HURRICANES (13-21-7): Reigning Calder Trophy winner Jeff Skinner has returned to practice, a positive sign after missing the last month because of a concussion. Although Skinner is not expected to play Friday, his imminent return is a welcome thought for a club searching for positives. Speaking of pluses, center Brandon Sutter has three goals in his last five games. The former first-round pick also scored against the Sabres on Oct. 14.
OVERTIME:
1. Sabres center Ville Leino is targeting Saturday's game against the Winnipeg Jets for a return. Signed to a six-year, $27 million deal in the off-season, Leino has missed the team's last nine contests with a broken left foot.
2. Hurricanes defenseman Joni Pitkanen is expected to miss an additional four weeks after undergoing surgery on his left knee. The talented blue-liner had already been sidelined for a month with a concussion.