3 Things: Boston Bruins @ Buffalo Sabres: 2/25/18

While the Buffalo Sabres wait and see what is going on with Evander Kane and whether he will get traded or not, the team still has some games to play.

It will not be an easy week for them this week as they face three Atlantic Division foes, starting tonight, with facing the Boston Bruins.

Here are three things to watch for in the game:

1.) RICK NASH- BOSTON

The Bruins acquired forward Rick Nash from the New York Rangers earlier today for a haul that included Ryan Lindgren, Ryan Spooner, Matt Beleksey and some draft picks. If he does play in tonight's game, how effective will he be, and which line will he be on? The already balanced lineup of the Bruins gets a lift since Nash has 18 goals on the year to go with 28 points. Will the addition of Rick Nash affect the chemistry of the lines or will he just do what he does best and score goals? There are a lot of questions surrounding Rick Nash tonight, but the timing of the trade is perfect since Patrice Bergeron is a game-time decision due to an injury.

2.) READY TO PLAY FROM DROP OF THE PUCK- BUFFALO

 The Sabres have really struggled since Jack Eichel hasn't been in the lineup due to injury. The team will need to be ready to play from the drop of the puck since the Bruins aren't going to hold anything back especially after a tough loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs last night. Buffalo gave up the first goal of the game after sloppy play in their own zone last night in under a minute into the game. Phil Housley can't be happy with the team's play of late, giving up goals early and not playing the way that they should be playing.

3.) FORECHECK- BOSTON & BUFFALO

These two teams will both want to establish the forecheck early in the game for different reasons. The Bruins will want to get in on the forecheck to force some turnovers and get set up in the offensive zone so they can get a ton of pucks on net. The Sabres want to establish the forecheck to keep the Bruins hemmed in their own zone, defending, and not in the offensive zone firing the puck towards their goalie since the Bruins have a very balanced lineup. The two teams should also try to get the cycle game going. Buffalo needs to find a way to get that sustained offensive zone pressure to create chances and put some puck in the opposition's net.