Buffalo Sabres Face Ottawa Senators in Crucial Early-Season Atlantic Division Match-up

Sabres hoping to overcome slow offensive start, while Senators aim to rebound from end of winning streak; key player injuries also to impact the game.

• The Buffalo Sabres are trying to break an early-season slump, having lost four of their six games this season to stand eighth in the Atlantic Division, while Ottawa Senators, standing fourth, are trying to rebound from their three-winning streak's end.
• Buffalo's offense, which ranked third in the NHL last season with 293 goals, has been struggling with only 13 goals this season, prompting coach Don Granato to change the Thompson-Skinner-Tuch line that was dominant last season.
• Injury woes add to both teams' challenges: for Senators, Artem Zub is out due to an undisclosed issue, while Sabres face injuries with Zach Benson, Jack Quinn, and Devon Levi, affecting their lower body and Achilles.
• Ottawa Senators, on the other hand, have started the season well offensively, with 21 goals in five games, including team captain Brady Tkachuk's team-leading four goals.
• The game will also witness the honoring of long-time goalie Craig Anderson, who will sign a one-day contract with the Senators to retire officially, marking his significant contribution to both teams.

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