The focus during the week in Sweden has been on getting the players physically acclimated to the time change and managing their rest.
"We're just trying to let the players play with what they've learned to date and get them and their energy back up. I think that's what Sweden has done more than anything," Krueger said. "We've got a bit of a pause that's not normal in the National Hockey League. What it's done is charged up the energy of the players, the batteries are full. We're expecting a real high battle level from both teams.
"Tampa's certainly feeling the same thing as we are and that was our primary focus here - let's get refreshed in our minds, refreshed in our bodies and let's use this space to really show the best Sabres hockey possible this weekend."
Friday's game is an 8 p.m. start in Stockholm, which will be a 2 p.m. faceoff back in Buffalo. Fans in the U.S. can catch the game on NBCSN and WGR 550. Rick Jeanneret and Rob Ray will be calling the game from (716) Food and Sport.
"There's a lot going on around the game and it's quite the production. The NHL has done a tremendous job of showcasing this quick series. But at the end of the day, there are four points up for grabs and it's a divisional game," Eichel said. "You have to get back into mid-season form and that mid-season mindset of it's too big games and you've got to be ready to go."
Both Eichel and McCabe mentioned that the trip has given everyone on the team the opportunity to get to know each other better. While the Sabres' roster hasn't changed too much from last season, some of the players that have been acquired
"There are some new guys here so it's nice to have a couple days to do some fun team activities and you get to know the guys in a little bit more relaxed setting rather than, I guess, our work environment," McCabe said. "It's really been great. I think guys have really enjoyed it, but with that being said I think we've very excited to start playing some games again and get on with our season."
