PREDATORS (11-6-3) at SABRES (8-11-2)
TV: FS-TN, MSG-B, BELL TV
Season series: The Nashville Predators swept the Buffalo Sabres last season with a 2-1 shootout win on Feb. 22 in Buffalo and a 3-0 win March 21 in Nashville. Mike Ribeiro, Craig Smith, and Mike Fisher each had a goal and Ryan Ellis had two assists in the series. Tyler Ennis had the only goal for Buffalo. Pekka Rinne made 24 saves in the 3-0 win.
Predators team scope: Nashville has been shut out in three straight games for the first time in franchise history. The Predators haven't scored a goal in the past 213:47; the last goal came from forward Miikka Salomaki at 6:13 of the second period in a 3-2 win against the Anaheim Ducks on Nov. 17. Nashville did not practice on Tuesday after a 3-0 loss at the New York Rangers on Monday. Cody Hodgson will play his first game in Buffalo since he was waived and had his contract bought out by the Sabres on June 30. Hodgson spent 3 1/2 seasons with the Sabres and had 44 goals and 99 points in 218 games.
Sabres team scope: Buffalo has lost five straight games (0-3-2) and has scored five goals in those games. "We didn't get a ton of opportunities in Dallas and [Monday], but what we do know is our shot totals are down and St. Louis did block three or four shots [Monday]… but even our attempts are down and it’s something we've focused on and something we have to get back to when we have the opportunity," Sabres coach Dan Bylsma said after practice Tuesday. Forward Evander Kane did not practice because of a lower-body injury, but Bylsma said he is probable. Forward Zemgus Girgensons returned to practice after missing the past four games with an upper-body injury. Girgensons skated in Kane's place on a line with Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart. "We saw Zemgus return to practice with the team and it was a good sign for where he's at," Bylsma said. "We'll see where he is tomorrow for that possibility."