Buffalo at San Jose

Buffalo is a huge dog but playing well, winning three of the last five games, cashing twice as an underdog. The defense is #11 in goals allowed and they've won four of the last five games after a loss of 3+ goals. Buffalo has a better record than a stumbling San Jose squad that has a lot of problems. The Sharks have had a brutal schedule with  eight of their first 11 games away from home. Joe Thornton hasn't played with an infection in his surgically repaired knee. San Jose is a woeful 2 of 21 on the power play and is #20 in the NHL in goals scored, #18 in goals allowed, #16 in penalty killing. San Jose has been favored five times this season and is 1-4 in those games, including losing the last two games by 3-2 scores. With the Sabres are 10-4 in the last 14 meetings, including 5-2 in this building, back the much improved big dog. Play Buffalo.