Buffalo @ Calgary preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 30, 2018 ) Calgary 2, Buffalo 1

The Calgary Flames are atop the Pacific Divsion and have matched their longest winning streak of the season as they prepare to resume a five-game homestand against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday night. Calgary has won five in a row overall, outscoring its opponents 25-12 in that span, and owns an eight-game point streak at home (7-0-1) against the Sabres.

Flames captain Mark Giordano scored twice and set up another goal in Sunday's 7-1 mauling of Arizona and the following day became the first defenseman to earn NHL First Star of the Week honors after amassing three tallies and eight points in four games. "One of the best captains I've played for, for sure, over my career," goaltender Mike Smith said. "The way he competes on the ice, the way he practices, is just the epitome of being a true professional." The Sabres' five-game road trip got off to an ominous start as they were thrashed by Edmonton 7-2 to tumble to their third loss in a row. "It seems like earlier in the year we were going through a patch where everything was going our way and now everything is going the opposite way," Buffalo captain Jack Eichel said. "At this point, we have to stick together and find a way out of it."

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN-Plus, MSG-Buffalo, Sportsnet 360, Sportsnet1

ABOUT THE SABRES (23-17-6): When a team gives up seven goals, it's hard not to point a finger at the defense, but rookie Rasmus Dahlin -- the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft -- was one of the few bright spots against Edmonton. Dahlin, who will not turn 19 until April 13, had an assist, registered six shots on goal and played a team-high 22:46. "Last night was the best game that I've seen him play," fellow blue-liner Zach Bogosian said. "A lot of people will probably argue that because we didn't win, but last night was the best game I've ever seen Ras play. Super confident, playing well and it's great to see."

ABOUT THE FLAMES (30-13-4): Calgary, which became the second team in the league to 30 wins, has scored at least seven goals on six occasions this season -- the most for the franchise since accomplishing it eight games in 1992-93. Matthew Tkachuk has five goals during a five-game point streak to give him 23 on the season -- one shy of his career high -- and 12 points over the last eight contests. Tkachuk's run pales in comparison to leading scorer Johnny Gaudreau, who scored once and set up another against Arizona to extend a binge that has seen his rack up eight goals and 10 assists during an eight-game point streak.

OVERTIME

1. Flames C Sean Monahan has 17 points in 10 games since the All-Star break.

2. Eichel, who has been held off the scoresheet in five straight games, has three goals in four meetings versus Calgary.

3. Flames Fs James Neal (illness) and Travis Hamonic (family illness) each missed practice Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Flames 5, Sabres 3