The set-up
The Sens (11-18-2) made it a clean sweep of Alberta with a stunning come from behind 6-4 win over the Oilers Saturday night.
Buffalo (11-20-7) saw a 2-0 first period lead disappear Monday but collected a point in a 3-2 overtime loss to Detroit. It was the 10th time this season the Sabres have been to overtime or a shootout, tied for the seventh most in the NHL.
With two goals on the man advantage Saturday, Ottawa's power play rose to 20 per cent on the season. The Sens own the 12th best home power play in the NHL at 22.5 per cent.
Since Dec. 1, Ottawa's power play ranks 10th in the NHL at 24.3 per cent while their penalty kill places eighth at 83.3 per cent. The Sens' 3.50 goals per game has them ranked 10th too.
Ottawa is 7-3-1 over its last 11 games while the Sabres have won just twice over the last 10 contests. Saturday's win was the first time this season the Sens had won after they had trailed after 40 minutes. Eight of Ottawa's 11 wins this year have come when they score first.
Buffalo has won just three of 13 divisional games this year while the Senators are 3-5-0 versus the Atlantic.
Roster notes
The Senators didn't hold a morning skate this morning but head coach D.J. Smith confirmed that his lineup will remain the same as Saturday night, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
With Nick Holden held out of Monday's practice, the defensive pairings were juggled. However, Smith did confirm that Thomas Chabot will be paired with Jacob Bernard-Docker tonight while Holden is expected to play alongside Artem Zub.
Previous history
The Sens and Sabres have met 145 times previously with Ottawa going 65-55-15 with 10 ties. At home, the Senators are 36-22-9 with seven ties.
Tyler Ennis, who was the 26th overall pick by Buffalo in 2008, has fared well against his former team with seven points (four goals) in eight games.
Brady Tkachuk has been a point-per-game player in his career against the Sabres with one goal and five assists in six contests while Drake Batherson has one goal and three assists in just two games versus Buffalo.
The Sens host the Sabres again on Jan. 25 before the teams meet in Buffalo on April 20.
Who to watch
Alex Formenton had a goal and an assist Saturday against Edmonton, two days after he notched two helpers in Ottawa's win over Calgary.
The 22-year-old's seven goals, seven assists and 14 points are already career highs as are his 19 penalty minutes. He plays 13:39 a night, 1:34 of which comes on the penalty kill.
Where to watch
Tuesday's game can be seen live on TSN5 and RDS2 at 7 p.m. Fans can also tune into the radio call on TSN 1200 and Unique FM 94,5.
