The Sabres are trying to end a two-game losing streak (0-2-0). They haven't played since a 3-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks at KeyBank Center on Saturday. Sabres defenseman Justin Falk will make his season debut after missing the first 12 games because of a lower-body injury. Coyotes defenseman Dakota Mermis will make his NHL debut after he was recalled from Tucson of the American Hockey League on Wednesday. Mermis, 23, never was drafted and signed a three-year, entry-level contract July 1, 2015.
Players to watch
Sabres forward Jack Eichel has eight points (three goals, five assists) in four career games against the Coyotes. It's the most points he has against any Western Conference team. Raanta has played 90:01 in three games this season because of two lower-body injuries. The Coyotes acquired Raanta in a trade with the New York Rangers on June 23 with the expectation that he could be their full-time starter.
They said it
"We can't worry about where they are as a team. We've got our own battles to handle." -- Sabres coach Phil Housley on playing the one-win Coyotes "Playing knee-hockey in the basement, you dream of playing in the NHL. You dream of these moments." -- Coyotes defenseman Dakota Mermis on making his NHL debut
Bailey did not take part in the morning skate after missing practice Wednesday. He is day-to-day. … The Coyotes put Hjalmarsson on injured reserve and placed Clendening on waivers.
Stat pack
The Sabres are 6-2-0 in eight games at Gila River Arena, which opened during the 2003-04 season. … Coyotes forward Clayton Keller, the NHL's Rookie of the Month for October, has 11 points (six goals, five assists) during a seven-game point streak. He leads NHL rookies in goals (nine) and points (15).
