Sharpen Up: January 23, 2023 | Miller Night rewind and looking ahead

The Buffalo Sabres kick off a four-game trip tonight that starts in Dallas and wraps up on Saturday in Minnesota.
Faceoff tonight against the Stars is at 8:30 p.m. from American Airlines Center with pregame coverage on MSG starting at 8. Dan Dunleavy and Rob Ray will have the call on MSG and WGR 550.
The road trip caps off a busy January for the Sabres.
Here's what you need to know.

Last week's big story

The Sabres went 2-1-1 last week, but what we'll all remember is Ryan Miller Night presented by KeyBank on Thursday and his ceremonial faceoff on Saturday.

From our recap of Thursday's Sabres Hall of Fame induction and jersey retirement ceremony:
"This is an amazing dream come true situation," Miller said.
Miller was joined by his wife, Noureen, and their two children, as well as his parents and siblings. Behind him sat coaches, Sabres personnel, and 18 fellow Sabres alumni who played alongside Miller during one of the most beloved eras in franchise history.
Surrounding him were 19,070 fans who came to celebrate a player and man who built a connection with Western New York like few others during his 12 years in the organization.
"This was a special one," he said. "I've been looking forward to being able to reconnect and see people and be here. I do feel like I am a Sabre."
On Saturday, with the banner moved to its permanent location in the rafters next to RJ's, Miller and his son Bodhi took part in a ceremonial faceoff before the game.
The Millers were joined by Sabres goaltender Craig Anderson and Ducks goaltender John Gibson for the unique puck drop:

Miller hopped on the broadcast during the first intermission to share his thoughts on the weekend:

The games ahead

The road trip heads to St. Louis tomorrow for an 8 p.m. faceoff against the Blues.
Then it's off to Winnipeg to play the Jets on Thursday at 8.
The final game on the road this month will be on Saturday in Minnesota. That's set for a 9 p.m. faceoff.

What else to watch for this week

It's a long trip and the Sabres do not return home again until February 1 when they host the Carolina Hurricanes for Choose Love Night.
Tickets are on sale now.
After that game, it's All-Star Weekend, where Tage Thompson will represent the team in South Florida.
And following that? It's the team's bye week.
Lots to look forward to. But first, we'll take it on game at a time.