These are the two worst teams in the Eastern Conference. So my natural inclination is to take a plus price. That inclination is heavily increased with the situation.

Buffalo is coming off a bad 5-1 home loss to Calgary Wednesday night. Sabres coach Phil Housley was critical of his team's defense. I expect the Sabres to come out motivated and playing much better. They were 3-1 in their prevous four games with the victories coming against the Bruins, Lightning and Maple Leafs. Those three teams are all far superior to the Senators.

Goalie Robin Lehner won't lack motivation having used to play for Ottawa. Lehner is expected to get the start for Buffalo. He's 5-0-3 versus the Senators with a .950 save percentage and 1.57 GAA.

The Senators are 1-8 in their last nine games versus opponents with a less than .400 winning percentage. They return home fat and happy after capping off their four-game, nine-day long road trip with a 3-2 overtime victory against the Stars on Monday.

Buffalo is 4-1 versus Ottawa during the past five meetings.