The 0-3 Flames are in must-win mode here at home. That should occur against the beat-up Sabres. Buffalo has failed to win during its last six trips to Calgary.

The Sabres are minus two of their best offensive players with Jack Eichel and Evander Kane out. Despite missing those players, the Sabres posted their first win of the season beating the Oilers, 5-2, Sunday.

Buffalo is 25-54 following a victory.

The Flames are close to winning. They lost in a shootout at Vancouver in their last game. I give the Flames an edge at goalie with Chad Johnson against Robin Lehner, who has yielded 11 goals in three starts against Calgary.

Johnson played for the Sabres last season compiling a 2.36 GAA and 92 percent save percentage in 45 appearances. Brian Elliott didn't play well in Calgary's first two games. Johnson played in the shootout loss to the Canucks and stopped 30 of 31 shots.