The Buffalo Sabres are set to take on the Washington Capitals tonight, aiming to halt a three-game losing streak. Facing the Capitals, the current leaders of the Eastern Conference, presents a formidable challenge for the Sabres.

In a shake-up of their lineup following the defeat against the Vegas Golden Knights, the Sabres have made notable changes. While the first line remains unchanged with Jason Zucker, Dylan Cozens, and Tage Thompson, the second line sees Ryan McLeod stepping up as the center, accompanied by wingers JJ Peterka and Alex Tuch. Additionally, the third line features Kulich as the center, with Zach Benson and Peyton Krebs on the wings, while Jack Quinn has been reassigned to the fourth line.

Defensively, Owen Power is paired with Connor Clifton in the second pairing, while Henri Jokiharju returns to play alongside Mattias Samuelsson on the third pairing. Dennis Gilbert will serve as the extra defenseman.

In a series of updates from the NHL, several players are dealing with injuries and illnesses that could impact their teams. Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson was unable to play due to illness, while Buffalo Sabres forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel is questionable for today's game for the same reason. On a more positive note, Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson is expected to be in the lineup.

Further updates include Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, who missed a game due to an upper-body injury, and Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer, who expressed concern over Mason Marchment's injury, stating it is “not good” and more week-to-week. Minnesota Wild's Joel Eriksson Ek is on the verge of returning, while Kirill Kaprizov's situation remains uncertain as he is day-to-day.

In New York, Islanders forward Anthony Duclair and defenseman Ryan Pulock did not participate in an optional skate, while Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller made a comeback after a six-game absence. The New Jersey Devils welcomed Curtis Lazar back after a knee issue, and the San Jose Sharks faced challenges as Carl Grundstrum left early in a game after a hit.

Seattle Kraken's Joey Daccord and Andre Burakovsky missed a recent game due to various ailments, with hopes of returning soon. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay Lightning's Michael Eyssimont is day-to-day, and Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube provided an update on Auston Matthews, indicating he is making progress but without a specific return date. Lastly, Vancouver Canucks' Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes missed a game, but their injuries are not believed to be serious, while Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin returned to action, although Lars Eller remains sidelined due to illness.

The Buffalo Sabres are struggling, having not won in eight games, and are just one point above the last-place Montreal Canadiens in the Eastern Conference.

To turn things around, suggestions include firing General Manager Kevyn Adams, revamping the power play, and making trades to send a message to the players. The Sabres' power play is among the worst in the NHL, and changes are needed to improve their offensive performance.

With the trade deadline approaching, the Sabres must act quickly to secure their playoff hopes.

In an exhilarating matchup, the Detroit Red Wings broke their five-game losing streak by defeating the Buffalo Sabres 6-5 in a shootout. Andrew Copp played a pivotal role, scoring twice, including a crucial goal that sparked a comeback from a 5-3 deficit.

Dylan Larkin clinched the victory in the shootout, while rookie Sebastian Cossa made a notable debut in goal, securing the win with 12 saves after replacing Ville Husso.

Following a disappointing 5-2 defeat to the Utah Hockey Club, Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff made significant changes to the team's line combinations during practice.

Peyton Krebs was elevated to the first line alongside Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch, while Zach Benson maintained his spot on the second line but with new linemates. The third line also saw a reshuffle, and the defensive pairings were adjusted, indicating a strategic response to the recent loss.