Preview: Senators at Sabres

SENATORS (7-5-0) at SABRES (5-5-2)
7:30 p.m. ET; SN, TVA-S, MSG-B, NHL.TV

Senators team scope

The Ottawa Senators have lost two straight and play the second of a back to back following a 3-1 loss to the Nashville Predators. "It is the one game of the year really now I can say after watching the video that that's our worst game of the year," coach Guy Boucher said. "Clearly, by far, we were not good." The Senators have scored three goals in its past three games and two or fewer in six straight, during which they're 3-3-0. "I think we've just got to bury a couple," forward Mark Stone said. "Sometimes when you don't score early you get frustrated and you get away from making simple plays to get goals. I think we've got to do a lot of the same things offensively." Right wing Mike Blunden was recalled from Binghamton of the American Hockey League as a precaution for an unspecified forward who was feeling banged up.

Sabres team scope

Left wing Evander Kane will return to the lineup for the Buffalo Sabres. Kane missed 11 games after breaking four ribs after he fell into the end boards opening night against the Montreal Canadiens on Oct. 13. "It's not feeling pretty good but it's well enough where I can play and contribute and I feel like I can be a difference maker on the team," Kane said, "so I'm looking forward to proving that and going out there tonight and showing them that." Buffalo has scored more than three goals once this season with none from its defensemen. "At this point in the season, we're very good at generating offense at below the top of the circles and down low," coach Dan Bylsma said. "But we need to get all five guys involved and contributing in the offensive zone."

Senators projected lineup

Bobby Ryan -- Derick Brassard -- Mark Stone
Mike Hoffman -- Jean-Gabriel Pageau -- Tom Pyatt
Zack Smith -- Kyle Turris -- Ryan Dzingel
Matt Puempel -- Chris Kelly -- Chris Neil
Marc Methot -- Erik Karlsson
Dion Phaneuf -- Cody Ceci
Mark Borowiecki -- Fredrik Claesson
Mike Condon
Craig Anderson
Scratched:Mike Blunden
Injured:Andrew Hammond (lower body), Clarke MacArthur (concussion), Chris Wideman (upper body)

Sabres projected lineup

Evander Kane -- Ryan O'Reilly -- Kyle Okposo
Matt Moulson -- Zemgus Girgensons -- Sam Reinhart
Marcus Foligno -- Johan Larsson -- Brian Gionta
William Carrier -- Derek Grant -- Nick Baptiste
Josh Gorges -- Rasmus Ristolainen
Dmitry Kulikov -- Casey Nelson
Jake McCabe -- Cody Franson
Robin Lehner
Anders Nilsson
Scratched:None
Injured:Tyler Ennis (mid-body), Hudson Fasching (groin), Zach Bogosian (sprained MCL), Jack Eichel (high ankle sprain), Cody McCormick (blood clots)

Status report

O'Reilly did not skate and is questionable. … Ennis is out with a mid-body injury and will need further evaluation. He played 7:33 against the Boston Bruins on Monday. … Lehner will make his sixth consecutive start for the Sabres. … Condon starts for Ottawa.

Who's hot

Hoffman has scored two goals in his past three games. … Reinhart has a goal and assist in his past three games.