Buffalo (9-5-3) at Boston (11-3-4), 7:00 p.m. EST
BOSTON (Ticker) -- The Boston Bruins were expected to improve
after a surprise playoff berth last season. Less than a quarter
of the way through this season, they look like a contender in
the Eastern Conference.
Boston seeks to keep rolling when it hosts the Buffalo Sabres on
Wednesday.
The Bruins are 9-1-1 in their last 11 games and have allowed
just 13 goals over their last 10 contests.
Defense has been the team's biggest strength as Boston ranks
second in the league at 2.05 goals allowed per game. Goaltender
Tim Thomas leads the league with a 1.78 goals-against average
and a .944 save percentage.
Boston, which has won five straight home games, is coming off a
3-2 victory over Toronto on Monday. Phil Kessel, rookie
defenseman Matt Hunwick and Michael Ryder all scored for the
Bruins.
The Sabres have lost decisively in back-to-back games,
includings a 5-2 setback at Pittsburgh on Saturday.
Left wing Thomas Vanek scored his team-leading 13th goal and
right wing Jason Pominville tallied in his third straight game
in the loss.
Buffalo lost, 3-1, at Boston on November 8.