Canadiens at Sabres
THE STORY: The Buffalo Sabres have been ailing as of late, but a date with the Montreal Canadiens tends to be just what the doctor ordered. Although mired in a three-game losing skid, the Sabres have won all three meetings this season and their last six overall against their Northeast Division foe. For its part, Montreal has lost two in a row after a promising four-game winning streak. The teams will face off on Friday at First Niagara Center.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, RDS, MSG
ABOUT THE CANADIENS (23-25-10): Max Pacioretty revealed on Thursday that his career-threatening injury at the hands of Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara last year may have indirectly improved his game. "Looking at life and hockey, an experience like that makes me a better person and a better player because I had to overcome all that adversity," Pacioretty said. Given recent results, it's hard to argue with Pacioretty's success. The 23-year-old Connecticut native collected his fifth goal in four games for his team-leading 24th tally of the season during Wednesday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Bruins.
ABOUT THE SABRES (24-27-6): Coach Lindy Ruff was left with his head in his hands as Buffalo's two-goal advantage was erased by seven unanswered goals in a 7-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday. Jason Pominville scored his fifth goal during a six-game stretch. The captain has collected a goal and an assist during three meetings with the Canadiens this season. Thomas Vanek netted his second goal in four contests after being held without a tally in 10 previous games.
OVERTIME:
1, Pacioretty has collected two goals and two assists in three games versus the Sabres this season.
2. Sabres C Derek Roy remains in a pronounced slump, having collected just two goals in his last 13 games. He has one goal and three assists in three contests versus the Canadiens this season.
3. It’s no secret that the Canadiens cringe when games extend past overtime this season. Montreal has won just two of 10 such occurrences.