Sabres need to beat the Habs

The season series is tied at 3 wins apiece, but these are two very different teams from their meetings earlier this season. Montreal has put together quite a run in the 2nd half of the season and now find themselves 1 point behind Pittsburgh for 1st place in the East. You can argue that this is the first meaningful game for a Sabres opponent since early March when they faced Washington. I know when they faced Toronto when the Leafs were trying to climb their way back into the race.. but let's be realistic: The Habs will be playing for the chance to take over the lead from the Pens. Looking back at the Sabres schedule, I don't see a game where an opponent had anything bigger at stake that that. With that in mind, it will be a daunting challenge for the Sabres to try and take 2 points from Montreal tonight. The Habs are better on the road then they are at home, much like the Sabres. Montreal comes in well rested, while the Sabres are coming off a tough physical shoot-out win in Ottawa. They got home early this morning, and then turned back around for an optional skate at the arena at 10:00 this morning. If the Sabres really do think they can challenge for the 8th playoff spot, they can't lose this game. One note for tonight's game: Ryan Miller will make his 73rd start this season, that sets a new single season franchise record for starts by a goaltender.