Storylines

1. Break the dam

The Sabers have been shut out in two of their last three games. It’s not a question of shot quantity, as Buffalo has had 39, 34 and 29 shots on goal in this last three-game adventure. Rather, as Ruff continues to emphasize, the Sabers need to put more bodies and pucks into the net in a targeted manner rather than randomly.

“When I talk about the next play, sometimes if that guy is in the lane, the next play is someone who is on the side of the net,” Ruff said.

And when Buffalo is in the front of the net, adapting to the physicality of opposing defensemen helps Buffalo win loose pucks and convert their recent near misses into goals.

“We lost some battles, we were almost there in a few others,” Ruff said of Saturday’s 3-0 loss to the Islanders. “I just have to make sure the determination is a little bit stronger next time.”

2, The fourth line

On Saturday, the fourth line of Beck Malenstyn, Peyton Krebs and Nicolas Aube-Kubel proved to be Buffalo’s most effective, posting an 8-1 advantage in shot attempts and 4-0 in scoring chances at 5-on-5. Krebs joined the unit after spending the last few games on Cozens’ right wing.

That group remains intact for now as former seventh-round pick Tyson Kozak, recalled from AHL Rochester on Friday, awaits his NHL debut.

“I know what he brings, the energy, and I think he’s the type of guy that helps other players with his infectious work ethic,” Ruff said of Kozak, discussing his potential addition to the lineup this week. “So there’s always a chance, but we’ll evaluate it on a game-by-game basis.”

To read The exercise report from Monday Further information on Kozak’s rise and development with the Americans.

3. Explore the avalanche

Colorado (13-12-0) has allowed 93 goals this season, third-most in the NHL, including 4.4 goals per game over the last five games.

With an NHL-worst save percentage of .856, Colorado’s goalie necessitated a trade last Saturday; As part of a backup goalie move, the Avalanche traded Justus Annunen to Nashville in exchange for 32-year-old Scott Wedgewood. Wedgewood joins Alexandar Georgiev, who owns an .875 save percentage this season.

The Avalanche are two points behind Calgary in the battle for the final Western Conference playoff spot, buoyed once again by the offensive performance of their three superstars. Nathan MacKinnon (36 points), Mikko Rantanen (34) and Cale Makar (32) each rank in the top 12 in the NHL, and MacKinnon leads the league with 29 assists.

Mittelstadt has seven goals and 11 assists, but picked up just one point in 14 games at even strength in November. The forward, who was drafted eighth overall by Buffalo in 2017, scored 186 points in 339 games with the Sabers from 2018-2024.

“He knows what I like to do on the ice and I know him, so it will be a fun battle,” Sabers captain Rasmus Dahlin said of this first duel with his longtime teammate. “He’s a competitive guy, so it’ll be fun. A little emotional too, but I’m excited.”

Their connection extends beyond the ice. During Dahlin’s first years in Buffalo, Mittelstadt was his English teacher, roommate and video game partner, to name a few.

“We’ve spent so much time together, so we’re really good friends,” Dahlin said. “He’s enjoying playing in Colorado, so I’m super happy… he’s just an unreal person.”

Injuries have struck Colorado, with Ross Colton (foot), Miles Wood (upper body), Josh Manson (upper body) and Jonathan Drouin (upper body) among those who missed time and are unavailable for Tuesday’s game .

Colorado relies heavily on its sixth-place power play and scored 19 of its 80 goals (24%) on 5-on-4 shooting. In 5-on-5 play, the Avalanche were outscored 58-45.

Game notes

• Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen had a .925 save percentage in his last three starts against Colorado.
• The Sabers rank sixth in the NHL this season with a 52.9 percent percentage of 5-on-5 shot attempts.
• With 72 career goals, Dahlin remains one goal away from edging Mike Ramsey for second place on Buffalo’s all-time defenseman list.