Tyler Ennis Earns First Star As Senators Come To Town

The NHL’s first star Tyler Ennis and company are at it again. The Buffalo Sabres attempt to keep the pace they have been having in the past month. That starts with the Ottawa Senators. Who face off for the first time this season. This game is also the rescheduled game coming from the shifting of games due to the shocking snowstorm a few weeks back.

Dec 13, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Tyler Ennis (63) takes the puck around Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) during the second period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo has had it’s recent success in their own barn. Owning a five-game win streak in the First Niagara Center is just the beginning. Outside of that, Buffalo has gone on to a 9-3 record in the past 12 games, matching a similar streak back in 2012 from February 19th to March 12th. Their win tonight would give them their first six-game home win streak in seven years, dating back to 2007.

Buffalo will be riding some streaking players back onto home ice tonight. Given the first star honor, Tyler Ennis has earned that with 14 points in just as many games. His team-leading 27 points only hints at the types of games he has been having. He may not have the scoring hand, but his work on the ice to contribute is enough to want. His totals last week gave him one goal and three assists, with his lone goal being the game-winner in the 1-0 shutout of the Los Angeles Kings on December 6th.

Since his lining up on the wing with Matt Moulson and Zemgus Girgensons, Ennis definitely can owe his output to what has been showing to be a great chemical mix.

Jhonas Enroth earns his 10th start in 11 games again, taking on the Senators. He will be opposite Robin Lehner, who takes the spot in between the pipes tonight. No surprise here that Nolan continues to ride Enroth as he continues his streak.

Marcus Foligno is another Sabre who has a small streak of his own. Foligno has scored in back-to-back games for the first time since he did so last season in games against the Winnipeg Jets and Boston Bruins.

The Sabres blue line continues to take a beating.

Josh Gorges finds himself possibly missing some more time, nursing an injured finger from the Panthers game a few nights ago. Andrej Meszaros was thought to miss some time, after coming back from a concussion, only to take a puck off of his chin in the second period also in the Panthers game. He is slated to line up tonight with Tyson Strachan, who is also returning from a lower body injury.

Hopefully, the home streak stays alive and Buffalo continues to bounce back.

With a Buffalo win, fans should also check in on a few games that can determine the standings tonight. With the win, Buffalo needs losses from the Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils and the Columbus Blue Jackets.

And, you know, a Panthers loss can’t hurt either.

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