Storylines
1. Bouncing back
The Sabres generated 41 shots (their second-highest total this season) and held a third-period lead in their loss to the Blue Jackets on Thursday.
Ultimately, a few costly mistakes – including defensive-zone turnovers on Columbus’ first two goals – and a lack of finish on their own scoring chances was the difference for the Sabres in what captain Rasmus Dahlin described as a “winnable game.”
Still, McLeod felt the Sabres stuck for the most part to the identity that had led them to wins in their previous five games.
“I liked most of our game,” McLeod said. “A couple breakdowns, we wish we had those back. But for the most part, I think we kept them to the outside and I think we probably out-chanced them in that game.”
Buffalo is 8-2-0 in its last 10 games following the loss to Columbus and will look to steer back on course in Florida.
2. Scouting the Panthers
Florida has a notable addition since the Sabres last visited Amerant Bank Arena, a 4-0 Panthers victory on March 8.
Brad Marchand, the longtime Boston Bruins forward who was acquired by Florida at the trade deadline, made his Panthers debut on March 28 and scored his first goal with the club in their 4-1 win over Detroit on Thursday.
The Panthers are playing for home-ice advantage in their likely first-round playoff series with the Tampa Bay Lightning, who sit two points ahead of them in second place. Still, with a playoff spot in hand, they will rest their two leading point scorers in Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart against the Sabres. Forwards Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Bennett are also out with injuries.
Vitek Vanecek will start in goal. He posted a 21-save shut out when the Sabres last visited Florida in March.
