The set-up: The 19-18-9 Buffalo Sabres take on the 23-17-7 Nashville Predators on Tuesday night. The Sabres are tied for last place in the Atlantic but remain within striking distance of third in the division, despite three losing streaks of at least four games. Meanwhile, the Predators have followed a rocky stretch of five-plus weeks starting in early December by winning six of their last seven games, which matches their victory total from the previous 18 contests.

Buffalo: The Sabres come to Nashville off a 3-2 OT win Saturday night in Montreal. "We've started to learn what makes us successful and have actually attacked it in our game plan," said defenseman Cody Franson, a former Predator. "I think we've been competitive in every game for about eight games, win or lose, and when you give yourself honest chances to win, you're going to put some points on the board." Goalie Robin Lehner was yanked midway through last week's loss in Toronto but rebounded with a 36-save performance at Montreal. Buffalo is 6-3-1 in January after kicking off a four-game road trip with an OT win at Montreal.

Nashville: The Predators are 7-3-1 in January, winning six of their last seven. The formula has evolved from relying on defense and cashing in on counter-attacks to driving play by possessing the puck, but the base for success has been the same: Goal prevention. Nashville has allowed just 12 goals in its 6-1 run, less than two per game. Whether Pekka Rinne or goalie of the future Juuse Saros is between the pipes, they are getting excellent play,

The pick: Nashville's recent play is reminiscent of two months ago, when the Predators put together an 8-3-1 November. They now look to keep up the positive mojo as they welcome the Sabres to Bridgestone Arena, opening a stretch where they play eight of their next 10 games at home. The Sabres won 4-1 over the Predators back on Nov. 28, but that ended a five-game losing streak in the series. Nashville is a 10* play.