Buffalo needs to set the tone with a win against a weak opponent.
By Erik Wollschlager / Diebytheblade.com
Game 5
Buffalo Sabres (2-2-0) vs Arizona Coyotes (1-2-0)
Puck Drop: 9 PM | Gila River Arena | Glendale, AZ
TV: MSG-B
Radio: WGR 550
Know Your Opponent
Arizona Coyotes
Record: (1-2-0) | 3 PTS
Last 10: 1-2-0
Division Ranking: 6th in the Pacific Division
Conference Ranking: 13th in the Western Conference
PP: 21st (11.1%)
PK: 7th (91.7%)
What to Watch
1. Could Ullmark get the start?
Young goaltender Linus Ullmark has been waiting in the wings while Carter Hutton has played solidly for the Sabres through four games. Given that this tilt with Arizona is among the weaker opponents the Sabres will face out west, it makes sense for Ullmark to get the start.
2. Zemgus (hah-hah) Girgensooooons
If Girgensons is going to remain a constant in the lineup, he’s going to have to prove once-and-for-all that he stands out from Johan Larsson – from an advanced statistics standpoint, they are almost identical players.
3. Set the tone
Buffalo has a tendency for slow starts, and they can’t afford one in this matchup. It is important not only to set the tone early in the game, but also to build momentum for the remaining five matchups in the western swing.