Goaltender Robin Lehner will make his eighth consecutive start for the Buffalo Sabres, who are six points behind the New York Islanders for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference. Buffalo is coming off its five-day break following a 5-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday. The Sabres practiced in Denver on Friday and had a morning skate Saturday. "It was good to get our legs going again, especially in altitude," said forward Ryan O'Reilly, who played his first six NHL seasons with the Colorado Avalanche. "The first time being in this arena and sitting in the room was really awkward, but being here now -- we've played against them three times already -- it's just another important game. We've discussed how good we have to play in order to get into the playoffs. This is a big game tonight to make a statement and to get back on track." Coach Dan Bylsma said playing in altitude could be more of a concern than usual after having a week off. "It's a little compounding issue," he said. "Having five days off is a lot, but playing in altitude is always an adjustment, always an issue, one we're going to have to pay close attention to tonight, our shifts, how long we're on the ice, not getting caught out in tough situations." The Sabres are 3-1-0 in their past four games.
