Minnesota at Buffalo

Minnesota is in stop-the-pain mode, trying to halt a three-game losing skid, the latest an embarrassing 6-2 home loss to Winnipeg two days ago. The Wild have revenge for a 3-2 shootout home loss to the Sabres on Nov. 29. Since then, the Wild made a franchise-altering change, trading for star defenseman Quinn Hughes. He has 16 points in 16 games with Minnesota. The Sabres have surprised, winning 15 of their last 17 games. Buffalo has never gone 16-2 in an 18-game span. The Sabres may not be as focused as the Wild as they take to the road for five consecutive games following this matchup. Buffalo ranks 20th defensively. Minnesota is eighth defensively and has superior goaltending. The Sabres could be missing forward Josh Norris, who has a rib injury. Take the Wild.