Buffalo Sabres eager for playoff spot as they host Carolina Hurricanes – NHL Preview
Carolina Hurricanes kicked off their present five-game road trip convincingly after defeating Washington Capitals.
Hurricanes will play their second game of the trip against Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday, March 7, 2012, at First Niagara Center, Buffalo, New York.
The National Hockey League (NFL) playoffs are not very far away and both these teams are out of Eastern Conference’s comfort zone.
In such a case, victories are must for both of them in order to stay in the playoff contention. Let’s have a look at both teams and their recent form.
Hurricanes
They have only won two of their last six games and recently snapped a two-game skid by defeating Capitals.
Capitals got a two-goal lead against Hurricanes, who replied by scoring three goals. Capitals scored another goal and forced the game to overtime where Hurricanes got a goal to get the victory.
Hurricanes’ captain, Eric Staal, said after the win:
"We felt like we played a pretty solid road game tonight and were deserving to get the two points.”
Brandon Sutter added:
"When you get down by two like that and make it a one-goal game again, it's huge, especially on the road. It was a big momentum boost, and we managed to play pretty well from that point forward."
Hurricanes are ranked at 14th spot in the Eastern Conference with 64 points after 66 games and are eight points behind the eighth-ranked Winnipeg Jets.
Sabres
Sabres have just ended their five-game road trip in which they won three games.
Their recent defeat came against Jets. Both teams were tied, 1-1, after the end of second period, but Jets scored twice in the final period without conceding any goal to secure the win.
Sabres’ goaltender, Ryan Miller, said after the game:
"It was a hard-fought game. Both teams understood the position they're in. Unfortunately, we broke in the third period."
Sabres are tied for the 10th place with Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference with 68 points after 66 games.
Predictions
Sabres have won their last three home games and this gives them a slight edge over Hurricanes.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might exceed six.
If Hurricanes win, the goal difference will be less than two.
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