The Sabres, 2-4-1 in their past seven games, will look to deny Crosby, who has 51 points (16 goals, 35 assists) in 34 games against them since entering the NHL in 2005.
Players to watch
Like Crosby, Sabres forward Jack Eichel has gone through a goal drought following a strong start to the season. He has three assists in his past eight games after scoring 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in his first nine. Penguins forward Phil Kessel has scored one goal in each of his past three games after failing to score in his previous five. He has seven points (three goals, four assists) during a four-game point streak.
They said it
"When I look at the Pittsburgh Penguins, they're a fast team. They compete very hard and they battle. … We're going to have to be ready for that battle tonight." -- Sabres coach Phil Housley "[The Sabres are] very dangerous. They have a lot of skill. A lot of skill up front, in particular." -- Penguins coach Mike Sullivan
Scandella will play for the Sabres after missing practice Monday with an undisclosed illness. … Hunwick will miss his 14th consecutive game. He returned to practice Nov. 6 and participated in Pittsburgh's morning skate the following day, but was held off the ice Saturday, Monday and Tuesday.
Stat pack
The Sabres (minus-20) and Penguins (minus-18) have the two worst goal differentials in the Eastern Conference. ... Pittsburgh is 11-0-1 in its past 12 games against Buffalo.
