You could build a case for the Sabres reaching the playoffs if they can somehow stay healthy.
Consistency in the wins column has proven hard to come by, but with Tage Thompson back on the ice, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen allowing an average of only 2.45 goals a game this year, the glass remains half-full in Buffalo.
With a tricky road trip to follow on Sunday against the Isles, this shapes as an important game for the Sabres with the Avs ahead next week.
This is a bad matchup for the Red Wings in more ways than one.
The Devils have led the league in shots for most of the year, while on the other end, the Wings rank Top 5 in shots allowed to opponents.
With a power play that has failed to score in its last 10 opportunities, this could be a long night for the home fans.
The Oilers are off a five-day break, but we’ve seen long layoffs cost teams over recent weeks – including the Leafs on Thursday, who faced the Panthers on a two-day rest advantage on their way to a three-goal loss.
Utah has been playing improved hockey over the last week with wins over Pittsburgh and Montreal, and while this Oilers team is obviously a much tougher test, there is an edge on the NHL’s newest side if Edmonton plays a little rusty.