The Sabres have crashed going 5-12 in their last 17 games, including losing six of their past eight.

The Wild has been playing better. I was impressed with their effort and offense in their last game even though it was a 4-3 home overtime loss to the Blackhawks.

Minnesota is 8-3 the past 11 times playing on two days rest. The Wild have defeated the Sabres in eight of the last 11 meetings, including winning the past five times in Buffalo.