Sparked by the return of dynamic young scorer Jack Eichel, Buffalo is playing some of its best hockey. The Sabres have won two in a row, scoring nine goals in those games.

The Bruins would be 1-4-1 if not for a shootout victory against Carolina this past Thursday when they scored the tying goal during the final minute of regulation.

Boston has scored more than two goals just once in its last six games. The Bruins are without injured defenseman and team captain Zdeno Chara and could be also without star center Patrice Bergeron, who missed Friday's practice. The early start time is not a plus either for the visiting Bruins.