The Sabres are coming off back-to-back wins in Alberta, defeating the Calgary Flames 2-1 in overtime on Monday and the Edmonton Oilers 5-0 on Tuesday. It is the second time that the Sabres have won consecutive games this season. Before the back-to-back wins, they were 1-6-1 in their previous eight games. Vancouver opened a five-game homestand with a 6-2 win against the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday. It was their third victory in five games after going 1-7-2 in their previous 10.
Players to watch
Sabres forward Jack Eichel had four points (one goal, three assists) against the Oilers. He has five goals and nine assists during a seven-game point streak. Canucks forward Thomas Vanek has 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) in his past 14 games, including a goal and two assists Tuesday playing on a new line with Bo Horvat and Loui Eriksson.
They said it
"We weren't happy with the game against Dallas at home and responding with two road wins back to back is a tough task but I thought we did a great job." -- Sabres forward Evander Kane on consecutive wins after a 7-1 home loss to the Dallas Stars on Saturday "I just think we were excited to play with each other. I haven't played with that combination this year and I talked to both of them before the game and all of us were ready to go off the start and I think that showed." -- Canucks center Bo Horvat, who combined with Vanek and Eriksson for three goals in the first 5:49 against the Kings
Baptiste returns to the fourth line after being a healthy scratch against Edmonton in place of Nolan. Gorges skated but will miss a third straight game with illness. … Gudbranson skated but remains day to day; there is still no timeline for his return.
Stat pack
Ristolainen has one goal and four assists) in a four-game point streak, and 12 points (three goals, nine assists) in his past 11 games. … Edler has eight points (one goal, seven assists) in his past seven games.
