Sharpen Up: All the Sabres news you need to know on November 1, 2019

The Sabres are back at it tonight with a game in the nation's capital.
Catch the Buick Game Night pregame show at 6:30 p.m. on MSG. Dan Dunleavy and Rob Ray will have the call just after 7 on MSG and WGR 550.
And they're back home tomorrow for '70s Night against the Islanders.
Here's what you need to know.

Tonight's Matchup

From @SabresPR's Game Notes…
- The Sabres have scored the first goal in 10 of their 13 games so far this season, going 8-1-1 in those contests. No other NHL team has scored first in 10 games this season. - Buffalo was perfect on the penalty kill in their three matchups with the Capitals last season, killing all 10 Washington power plays in those contests.

Mr. 300

Jack Eichel is expected to play in his 300th NHL game tonight.
With 108 goals, 168 assists and 276 points, he has already recorded the sixth-most points as a Sabre in his first 300 NHL games, trailing only Alexander Mogilny (354), Rick Martin (341), Gilbert Perreault (300), Pierre Turgeon (297) and Dave Andreychuk (292).
He has scored the 11th-most goals by a Sabre in his first 300 NHL games, trailing only Rick Martin (194), Alexander Mogilny (176), Danny Gare (146), Thomas Vanek (136), Dave Andreychuk (129), Donald Audette (127), Gilbert Perreault (119), Pierre Turgeon (116), John Tucker (111) and Rene Robert (110).
Eichel has the sixth-most assists by a Sabre through 300 NHL games, trailing only Phil Housley (193), Gilbert Perreault (181), Pierre Turgeon (181), Christian Ruuttu (179) and Alexander Mogilny (178).
Only five players have recorded more multi-point games with the Sabres through their first 300 NHL games than Eichel's 78 through 299: Alexander Mogilny (101), Rick Martin (96), Pierre Turgeon.
(Thanks @SabresPR!)

Thursday's practice

From the Ice Level Practice Report…
Jimmy Vesey was back at practice with the Sabres inside LECOM Harborcenter on Thursday and could return to game action this weekend.
The Sabres play back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday, on the road against the Washington Capitals then at home against the New York Islanders. Coach Ralph Krueger said the forward is not anticipated to be in the lineup Friday, though the next game remains a possibility.
"He's still day-to-day," Krueger said. "We're just going to assess how he handled the session on his own and then he joined us for some non-contact skating afterwards. But he's not planned on the roster for tomorrow."
Vesey sustained his upper-body injury during the second period of his return to Madison Square Garden on Oct. 24. It was caused by a hit from New York Rangers defenseman Brady Skjei, one of his close friends on his former team.
"It was pretty innocent, actually one of my buddies was the one that hit me," Vesey said. "I knew he was coming. I just didn't have it in my sights, so I wasn't sure when the hit was coming. I think he just caught me in the perfect spot."
Vesey has skated with recovering defenseman Zach Bogosian in the week since the injury. Though he still needs doctor's approval, he said he has Saturday in his sights for a return to the lineup. After that, the team heads to Sweden for two games against Tampa Bay.
"I'm hoping to try to get in Saturday, depending on how I feel," he said. "I've got to see the doctor to get cleared. But I'm hoping Saturday. If not, definitely Sweden."
Click here for line combinations and what the Sabres are focusing on for tonight's matchup.

Tomorrow is '70s Night

Over 20 alumni from the team's first decade of existence are set to attend Saturday's home game against the New Islanders for '70s Night presented by Fallsview Casion Resort. The list currently includes:
Gerry Meehan
John Gould
Jim Lorentz
Rene Robert
Don Luce
Larry Carriere
Rick Dudley
Jim Schoenfeld
Jerry Korab
Bill Hajt
Paul McIntosh
Morris Titanic
Gerry Desjardins
Fred Stanfield
Danny Gare
Terry Martin
Derek Smith
Don Edwards
Ric Seiling
Tony McKegney
Mike Robitaille
Prior to the game, alumni will greet fans in the 100 Level and will then be welcomed onto the ice before the opening faceoff. Equipment manager Rip Simonick, who is in his 50th year on the team's staff, will also be recognized.
The first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive a 1970s-themed Sabres pennant as well.
Want to remember some of the great moments and players of the decade? Check out this exclusive photo gallery.
Click here for more info.

Today in Sabres history

2008:Ryan Miller earns his eighth NHL shutout and Thomas Vanek scores twice as the Sabres defeat the Capitals 5-0 at home.