There's one and only one game involving Eastern Conference teams tonight and
it happens to be a good ol' border battle between the Leafs and the Sabres.
Toronto (11th, 80 pts) at Buffalo (1st, 101 pts)
- This is the first game of a home-and-home series. Buffalo has the best
home record in the Eastern Conference and they're coming off of 5-2 drubbing
of the Capitals.
- The Sabres are in no danger of being caught by anyone in the conference,
but they are battling Nashville for first place in the league. It's always
nice to have a President's Trophy on the mantle, and home ice in the Finals
is huge if you can get there.
- The Maple Leafs are two points
behind the pack that's tied for eighth and they don't have a
particularly easy schedule ahead of them. Losing both games this weekend
would kill their playoff hops.
- Preferred Outcome: Go Sabres. Soften them up before they come to
Philips next Thursday, okay? A Buffalo win doesn't hurt Atlanta at all, and
Toronto missing the playoffs would bring plenty of joy to Blueland.
