The much improved Sabres made a valiant effort to make the playoffs for the first time in 12 seasons. They went on a 7-1-1 run before losing, 6-2, to the Devils on the road two days ago. That loss eliminated them.

It's going to be difficult for the Sabres to get up for this now meaningless matchup. Buffalo hasn't been good at home either with a 16-20-4 record. That's the second-fewest home victories of any team in the Eastern Conference.

This is Ottawa's final game of the season. The Senators enter this matchup rested and with confidence off consecutive upset wins against the Lighting and Hurricanes. Ottawa last played on Tuesday. The Senators are 5-1 the past six times when playing on two days rest.

Buffalo, on the other hand, is in action for the fourth time in six days and third in four days. The Sabres are 1-7 the past eight times when playing the fourth game of a four-in-six day situation.

Ottawa also has defeated Buffalo in four of the past five meetings.

(Editor's note: Stephen Nover has won his last six premium NHL plays and has his NHL Total of the Year today.)