Tip: The weary Buffalo Sabres visit the Ottawa Senators!

Last night, the Buffalo Sabres faced their third game in four days. They suffered a loss to the Montreal Canadiens with a score of 3-1, after Brendan Gallagher scored the 2-1 lead four minutes into the third period. Tanner Pearson sealed the deal with a few minutes left in the game. Tonight, the Sabres will face a well-rested Ottawa Senators, and I believe it will be a tough match for them with tired legs.

Energetic Ottawa Senators

It's not the most enjoyable match for the weary legs of the Sabres to face in a back-to-back. Ottawa is skilled at skating and plays high-paced hockey. The Canadians suffered a defeat against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, but there's no shame in that as the Red Wings are currently playing their best hockey. The Senators stumbled a bit in that game with unnecessary penalties that ultimately cost them the match. Prior to that, they had dominated in several performances against teams like the Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Philadelphia Flyers.

Many players in the Senators have started this season brightly. Notably, veteran Vladimir Tarasenko has looked rejuvenated and has already managed to score two goals and provide four assists, seeming to thrive in this offensive Senators lineup. Add to that the return of Josh Norris, who has started with two goals and an assist in two games, and the red-hot Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stützle, along with two offensively sharp defensemen in Jakob Chychrun and Jake Sanderson, who have delivered right from the start, and we can conclude that the Senators have many potent offensive weapons.

Weary Buffalo Sabres

Even before the season started, I wrote in my overview of the Atlantic Division that Ottawa is one of the dark horse teams of the season that can compete for a direct spot. I also felt before the season, much like I still do, that Buffalo is a bit overhyped after the year they had. Don't get me wrong, they have some great offensive pieces, but the defense isn't their strong suit, and now they also have a somewhat tricky goaltending situation. Against Montreal, Eric Comrie got the nod as Devon Levi is dealing with a minor injury. Therefore, I expect us to see the third-string goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen back in the net tonight against Ottawa. Which is not ideal.

As I've already mentioned, this will be the third game in four days for the Buffalo Sabres. They also have a number of injuries, with Jack Quinn, Matthew Savoie, and Zach Benson. However, the latter seems ready to play tonight as he practiced yesterday. The tough schedule combined with facing one of the league's possibly quickest teams makes me believe they are in for a really tough match.

Conclusion and prediction

Essentially, I believe that the Ottawa Senators should be ranked as the better of the two teams. Buffalo is coming off a good season where they were in contention for a playoff spot for a long time. However, as I mentioned in my preseason overview, I think they might have a tough time replicating that feat. Add to that the fact that the Ottawa Senators have started really well and look hungry and hard to stop. The offense at the disposal of the Senators is incredibly strong, and it's not just a couple of players who can pose a threat offensively; they have threats from multiple lines and from defensemen. They play at home tonight against a weary Buffalo team that is in the midst of a tough schedule, and I find it very hard to envision a rested Ottawa not coming out victorious in this battle. You can see where I'm leaning – I'm placing my bet on Ottawa!

Ottawa Senators to win in regulation is played @ +104 at Unibet