Time: Friday, Dec 11, 2009 at 7:30 PM ET
League: NHL – United States of America

Last 10 matches: Chicago 7-2-1; Buffalo 5-4-1
Two teams that don’t see each other much are coming into this game among the NHL’s elite. The Hawks are tops in the Central Division and have won three of their last four all after regulation. The Sabres dropped a point behind Boston in the Northeast Division when the Bruins beat Toronto on Thursday, but they are still fifth in the East with 36 points largely thanks to the play of goaltender Ryan Miller, who made 35 saves in Wednesday’s 3-0 victory over Washington.This is the teams’ only meeting this season. They last played on Jan. 14, when the Hawks rolled to a 4-1 victory at the United Center. Prior to that game, Buffalo had won the three previous meetings. Chicago is making only its second visit to HSBC Arena in seven years.
Dont expect a lot of power-play goals in this one. The Sabres’ penalty-killers have allowed a League-low 14 goals, and Chicago’s PK crew is tied for second with 15. Chicago also leads the NHL with six shorthanded goals. … Chicago is 5-0-1 against Eastern Conference teams this season.
Chicago forwards Dave Bolland and Adam Burish are on IR, but otherwise the Hawks are healthy. … Buffalo is still without center Paul Gaustad (leg) and Mike Grier (family illness), though Grier could be back for Saturday’s game in New York. Gaustad has started skating again, though there’s no timetable for his return. Center Tim Connolly didn’t finish Thursday’s practice due to some hip pain. Highlights and results will be available soon.. stay with us.