3 Game Essentials | Kraken (23-12-4) at Sabres (20-16-2) | 4:00 p.m.

Time: 4:00 p.m. PT | Watch: ROOT SPORTS | Listen: 93.3 KJR
##### One: Maintain Energy
Tonight marks just the second back-to-back of the Kraken's season. It's been a while since the first one, too. The last time Seattle played two games in two days was on opening night when the team traveled to Anaheim (Oct. 12, 4-5 overtime loss) before winning in Los Angeles on Oct. 13.
In addition to the challenge of the schedule, Seattle is heading into Buffalo facing a team that was shut out by the Flyers 4-0 at home on Monday. Suffice it to say they aren't happy about that and are likely gunning for redemption in front of their home fans.
The Sabres faced a similar fate as the Kraken's previous opponent going down 3-0 in the opening period before a third period goal cemented the score. Their coach, Don Granato said his team looked "emotionally drained" but also that he expects his group to be ready against Seattle. Something the Kraken are already preparing for.

"We just take one game at a time here," Vince Dunn said Monday. "We try to put (the win in Montreal) behind us and move into tomorrow. We have a big one in Buffalo. We'll just take the positives whenever we can and learn from our mistakes. There's always room to improve."
##### Two: Know Your Opponent
Buffalo is scoring the most goals per game in the league and has more than a few weapons that Seattle will be facing. Rasmus Dahlin was just named third star of the week by the NHL. He just reached 200 career points and tied a franchise record for most points by a defender (2-3-5) in a game. Going into Monday's games, the 22-year-old Swede has the second-most goals (12) and third-most points (44) of any NHL blueliner.
On the forwards' side, Tage Thompson leads all Sabres' skaters in goals (31) and points (56) and ranks third in goals per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play (1.8) per Natural Stat Trick. But! Who ranks ahead of him? Jared McCann (2.43) and Daniel Sprong (1.96).
Might the Kraken see Eric Comrie's return to the net? After dealing with a lower-body injury, Comrie has returned from a conditioning stint and has already served in a backup role for Buffalo. Monday, Comrie was activated off injured reserve and Craig Anderson was in net against the Flyers. Comrie's last game action was Nov. 16 at Ottawa.

##### Three: The Vibes are Good
For all the emphasis X's and O's, intangibles can be the difference in a game of inches, and this is a team that is playing for each other and enjoying the ride. Head coach Dave Hakstol said he sees a group that is fueled by competitiveness forged in the struggles of last season that has grown since day one of training camp. Add on top of that a group that can deepen bonds while on the road, and it's part of why success is coming.
"I think we're getting tight as a group and at a really important time in the season," Dunn said. "I think maybe when we're on the road, it's just all about hockey. It's not (about) distractions. I don't know why we're so good on the road, but it's definitely important. …(these) are big, big points to get whenever we can. We're playing really well right now. And I think it's just the confidence that's trickling through the lineup."