^{Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan appear back in Utah for the first time since being traded to Buffalo}

Man, did I pick a good weekend to enjoy a friend’s wedding. I didn’t get to watch the past two games live. It’s a good thing too, because those were rough, rough games. I expected a 3-5 point road trip, and they got 2, and just barely. Ouch. Time to turn the page.

Back home, slightly rested, and against a foe they’ve seen early in the season. Fun part of the night, though; the Mammoth may have seen the Sabres, but it’ll be the first time Utah gets to welcome alums back to the Delta Center.

Tonight, Buffalo – our opponent just two weeks ago – comes to town for the second and last meeting of the year. Previously, Utah took the Sabres to extra time, where Clayton Keller got Utah their lone two points on the trip.

Since the win 8 days ago, neither Buffalo or Utah has obtained a single point. Buffalo lost twice, once to the Blues at home in regulation, and again away against Carolina. They’ve been outscored 9-3 in that stretch. Utah, meanwhile, has lost in regulation three times in Canada. Both teams are struggling – Utah falling from first in the conference all the way out of the playoff race, and Buffalo from the division cellar to… at least not the Flames.

Both teams look to break their slides tonight, Utah to get back into the pack of the playoff hopefuls and Buffalo to give the fans a reason to continue to support the rebuild.

Key points to secure a victory today:

Jump Start the Power Play The power play has been powerless the past few games, going ohfer in multiple games. Goalless in their last 13, they’re facing the best PK unit in the league. That’s not a recipe for success…. or is it?

Scoring against the best PK unit could be a dose of confidence the team sorely needs. If PP1 can get going, they can get back into some of these contests that ran away from them. It’s also a good time to face Buffalo’s PK unit, because they will need to rely on an already strained defense… and speaking of…

Take advantage of Buffalo’s Defense Unlike the last meeting, while the Sabres still have a stout defensive unit, they’re vulnerable this trip. They’re struggled with 6 goals against vs. the Hurricanes. With Rasmus Dahlin out, a key piece of their defense is gone with him, so taking advantage will be important for a fast start.

Several other key injuries up front to their forward core hurt, but exploiting their strength-turned-weakness for this matchup will be an extremely important way to build momentum moving forward.

Welcome home Take the energy from the Delta Center crowd. We’re all hungry to see you live again for the first time in what feels like a month. Take advantage of sleeping in your own bed, drinking your own dirty Swig sodas, and the expensive TVs that Utah has to offer. Enjoy being cheered for a change… and enjoy knowing you’re not playing again tomorrow in a different city.

Projected Lineup:
DeSimone looks to remain in for Maatta, no apparent forward line changes.

Game time 7PM local at the Delta Center

TUSKS UP!