CGY-BUF 3-7

FLAMES (32-25-10) at SABRES (21-34-11)
7:30 p.m. ET; SN, MSG-B, NHL.TV

The Flames are three points behind the Los Angeles Kings for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Western Conference and have scored two goals or fewer in three of their past four games.
The Sabres are 4-2-0 in their past six games and 20 points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second wild card into the playoffs from the Eastern Conference.

Players to watch

Flames left wing Matthew Tkachuk has 10 points (four goals, six assists) in his past 10 games.

Sabres center Ryan O'Reilly is on a four-game point streak (goal, four assists) and has 12 points (three goals, nine assists) in his past 11 games.

They said it

"We've got to do even more to create (offense); getting to the net more, some of the ugly goals more, but the chances are there. The goals aren't there, but if we keep doing the right thing … you keep doing the right thing, it'll change the tide. I'd be a little concerned if we weren't generating chances or shots, but that's not the case." -- Flames coach Glen Gulutzan
"There were a lot of one-goal games. We didn't come on the right side of them and that can have an effect on a team over a long period because you lose confidence, you lose trust. I think we've built that trust back in each other right now. It comes with success." -- Sabres coach Phil Housley

Flames projected lineup

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Sabres projected lineup
Status report

Smith skated Wednesday but remains sidelined. … The Sabres recalled O'Regan from Rochester of the American Hockey League. … Criscuolo is out 4-6 weeks.

Stat pack

Frolik is on a three-game point streak (goal, two assists). … Reinhart has 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in his past 14 games.