The San Jose Sharks take on the Buffalo Sabres for the first time this season in an early morning affair.

The San Jose Sharks (10-30-3) take on the Buffalo Sabres (18-21-4) for the first time this season in an early morning affair. 

This game was initially scheduled for 10 a.m. PST but was moved up an hour due to the Buffalo Bills switching their game to Monday. Buffalo was just hit with a massive snowstorm, which prevented the Sharks from getting into the city until Sunday night.

"[It is] frustrating, but it is what it is," Sharks coach David Quinn said about the travel issues. "We were able to get in here at a reasonable hour, which is good, and guys ready to play."

Quinn confirmed before the last game that Kaapo Kahkonen will start in goal. 

 "I had a talk with Kaapo yesterday; he'll play against Buffalo," Quinn said on Saturday.

As for what the team needs to do to get engaged early:

"Get a hit in," Quinn explained. "Nothing like getting a hit in to wake you up. If you want to get into a hockey game, go hit somebody." 

Quinn also confirmed that Scott Sabourin will return to the lineup in Mike Hoffman's place. He also told reporters that Calen Addison would be a healthy scratch, and Kyle Burroughs would take his place.

As for the other injuries, there is still no clarity about what game Logan Couture will return. Quinn told media members that he would return at some point during this road trip but confirmed today that he won't play today or tomorrow against the Chicago Blackhawks.

"It's been tough for him all year. He's really anxious to get going," Quinn said. "He's eager for sure. As we've all said, we want it to be when he does come back; there's no looking back."

Nico Sturm is also on the roadie for the San Jose Sharks, but there hasn't been a major update on his status. Ty Emberson has been dealing with a nagging lower-body injury and could miss his third straight game. 

Sabres' winger Jeff Skinner has had a lot of success against the Sharks in his career. In 20 career games against San Jose, Skinner has 12 goals and five assists. 

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwIqwdEnVT8[/embed]

Sharks projected line combinations:

Zetterlund-Hertl-Zadina
Eklund-Granlund-Duclair
Barabanov-Kunin-Bailey
Sabourin-Carpenter-Labanc

Ferraro-Vlasic
Thrun-Rutta
Okhotiuk-Burroughs

Kahkonen

Puck drop is bright and early at 9 a.m. PST and can be seen on NBC Sports California and the Sharks Audio Network.

Make sure you bookmark THN's San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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