The Sabres host the team that stole our cup in 05-06. Will never let that go. Anyways tonight's 4 point match up could be the final nail in the coffin for the Hurricanes or a big step back into the race. Buffalo go help last night with loses by Tampa, Toronto, and Washington. Two of the three teams losing important players to injuries in the process (Garon and Lupul). Now the Sabres have to take advantage of it and make up ground.

Tonight could be a tale of two tired teams. Carolina comes off a OT win in Washington last night and Buffalo is playing its first game back at home after a long road trip. Tired hockey is always enjoyable, another topic for another day. Ward will play for Carolina after a 40+ save performance last night in DC and Miller will go for Buffalo after sayin how exhausted he was Sunday.

In the pregame skate today Buffalo rolled the same lines that played in the Winnipeg game. However after the practice when asked if the lines will be the same during the game Ruff said "He's still chewin on it". Ruff being his usual tricky self, because you know if Cody Hodgson is centering Vanek and Pominville tonight Carolina will be so unprepared for it they will just lay down for Buffalo. Speaking of Hodgson, I think it's time to start being a part of the score sheet. I have liked the way he's played however I need him to start scoring now. He will have friends and family in the FN Center tonight for his Sabres home debut, maybe the extra jump he needs.

On the Hurricanes end they just keep coming. Eric Staal has rebounded from a terrible first half of the season. He is back to being a point machine. Justin Faulk is has been a force on the blue line in his own zone and the offensive zone. He netted the game winner last night in DC. Cam Ward continues to roll as one of the most underrated goaltenders in the NHL. He is 4-1-1 against Buffalo in his career 2-0 this season.

Another who wants it more game. This is going to be the theme of the final month of the season. Hopefully the Sabres fans can get into the game early and make it a playoff atmosphere.

Expected Lineup:

Vanek-Hodgson-Pominville

Ennis-Roy-Stafford

Gerbe-Leino-Kaleta

Boyes-Ellis-Tropp

Ehrhoff-Myers

Leopold-Regher

Weber-Sekera

Miller

(Enroth) Potential Turco v Enroth duel in Boston tommorrow

Prediction: Two tired times, boring defensive hockey, good goaltenders, whoever wins the 3rd period wins the game. 3-1 Buffalo.