Just one game prior, the Sabres had put forth a strong effort in a loss to the NHL's best team in the Nashville Predators. It was the continuation of a recent trend in which they've performed well against top-tier opponents but struggled against teams near them in the standings.
"I just think our work needs to be there," alternate captain Kyle Okposo said. "Just put our heads down and grind and play a hard-nosed game. I think that's pretty much the only thing we can think about right now."
With back-to-back losses comes changes to the lineup, of which there will be a few on Friday. Zemgus Girgensons will return from a two-game absence caused by an injury, replacing Justin Bailey at forward. Josh Gorges and Victor Antipin will step in for Nathan Beaulieu and Justin Falk on defense.
Girgensons will skate on a line with Jack Eichel and Jason Pominville.
"I think Zemgus has been terrific," Housley said. "… He's taken his game to a new level. I like his physicality. He will be playing on that line with Jack and Pommer. He brings a physical element, he's one of our best penalty killers and he's willing to block shots, get in harm's way. But I think he brings a work ethic that we're looking for.
"Getting in on the forecheck, going to the net, getting to the tough areas. That's how he's going to complement Jack."
Housley said that Beaulieu is dealing with a minor upper-body injury sustained in practice on Thursday but added that the defenseman was coming out of the lineup either way.
"His last 20 games have been pretty solid," Housley said. "I think he's been better in his own end, I think he's trying to add to the offense, but again there's a couple critical times and errors in games that affected our team and we're just giving some other guys an opportunity."
