Sabres Look to Claw Back to Winning Ways vs. Wild

The Minnesota Wild (37-24-7 = 81) are in the final spot of the Western conference playoff seedings. Tonight, they come across the great lakes to HSBC arena to try to extend Buffalo's losing streak to two games.

Other than Minnesota's firepower first line of Pavol Demitra, Brian Rolston, and Marian Gaborik, right, they play a game very comparable to the Avalanche. Gaborik missed about thirty games earlier in the season due to injury, but in the 34 games he has played, he averages better than a point a game (23 + 14 =37) and was on pace for 52 goals, had he remained injury free.

Rolston is the Alternate Captain for the Wild for a good reason - he has excellent leadership skills. He played in this year's all star game, and was a plus five with two goals and 2 assists. He can play, baby.

Buffalo is 6-2-1 in interconference play to date, with both losses being disappointing. One was in Columbus in December and of course, Wednesday's meltdown against the Avalanche. Buffalo will most likely adjust to the Neutral Zone Trap tonight, so look for Buffalo's offense to be potent.

New Sabre Ty Conklin, right, will most likely get the nod in net tonight. With three games in four nights and a huge showdown tomorrow night in HSBC, Buffalo will want Ryan Miller at his best to tighten their grasp on the Eastern Conference lead.

Conklin has played the Wild and started for the Edmonton Oilers in their Cinderella season last year, before the Wild traded Dwayne Roloson to Edmonton at the deadline. 'Conks' ended up in Columbus this year, and we know what happened from there.

Minnesota will most likely play a conservative game and try to capitalize on Buffalo's mistakes. I doubt very much this will work for them, especially after the last two skate sessions where I'm sure Lindy Ruff has worked on the tactic of the Trap.

I say Buffalo, 5-2.