Sabres at Panthers
The Florida Panthers will get their first up-close look at rookie sensation Jack Eichel when they play host to the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night. Eichel, the No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft, already has a pair of goals in three games - including a highlight-reel tally to help the Sabres beat Columbus on Monday for their first victory.
"We'll see that goal again, we'll see it replayed again, just all of it," Buffalo coach Dan Bylsma said of Eichel's unassisted tally. "It's a pretty remarkable goal." The Sabres scored three power-play tallies in Monday's win after managing one goal in each of their first two losses. Offense has not been an issue in the early going for the Panthers, who are coming off a 4-1 romp at Carolina. Florida dominated the season series versus Buffalo last season, going 4-0-1.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, MSG (Buffalo), FSN Florida
ABOUT THE SABRES (1-2-0): Buffalo is hoping for the return of captain Brian Gionta, who has been out with a lower-body injury but practiced this week and expects to make his season debut on the two-game Florida road trip. “I want to make sure it’s 100 percent," Gionta said after Wednedsay's practice. "It felt good. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.” Ryan O'Reilly, expected to be the No. 1 center after signing a seven-year, $52.5 million contract extension, was shifted to left wing in Monday's game and responded with a goal and an assist.
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (2-1-0): Veteran Roberto Luongo has split a pair of decisions in net despite allowing only two goals and looks to continue his dominance over Buffalo. Luongo owns a 14-6-2 mark and 1.81 goals-against average in his career versus the Sabres and has been nearly impenetrable against them over the past two seasons, posting a 6-0-0 record with four shutouts. Florida set a franchise record by scoring 11 goals in its opening three games and has spread the wealth offensively - each of the team's top three lines has at least seven points.
OVERTIME
1. Panthers F Nick Bjugstad scored three times in five games versus Buffalo last season.
2. Sabres D Zach Bogosian (lower body) practiced for the first time Wednesday.
3. The Panthers have killed off 12-of-13 power-play chances.