Sharpen Up: January 17, 2018

We're back. The Sabres return from their bye week today and will practice today at HarborCenter.
Here's what you need to know.

The Sabres will fly out to New York after practice as they prepare for their game tomorrow night against the Rangers. That game can be seen at 7:30 p.m. on NBCSN. Dan and Rayzor have the radio call on WGR 550.
Casey Nelson has been recalled from the Amerks.
Through 37 games in his second AHL season, Nelson (6'1", 185 lbs., 7/18/1992) has recorded 11 points (2+9) and leads the Amerks with a plus-11 rating. The Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin native has appeared in 18 games with the Sabres during the last two seasons, totaling four assists and 12 penalty minutes.

A look at last game

The Sabres will look to build off their 3-1 win on Thursday against Columbus.
From the Lexus Postgame Report
Coming off of four straight losses and with one game to go before their bye week, Phil Housley decided that the Buffalo Sabres were in need of a spark for their contest against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday. It came in the form of a goalie wearing a "Minions" mask.

Linus Ullmark made a career-high 44 saves in his season debut and the Sabres solidified their effort defensively in a 3-1 win over the Blue Jackets. The victory was Ullmark's first in the NHL since April 9, 2016, and Buffalo's first since Dec. 29.
So, Linus, how did it feel?

"Very emotional," Ullmark said. "I try to keep it inside, naturally. It's been my dream ever since last summer to get it all together and come up and play … I'm very humbled and happy about the win tonight."
If Ullmark was trying to hide his emotions during the game, he did an excellent job. The goaltender was calm and collected in his first NHL start since last season's finale, a 4-2 loss in Tampa. As teammate Kyle Okposo said afterward, he made difficult saves look easy with his poise and positioning.

"He looked really calm back there," Okposo said. "That was the first game that I've seen him play live in the regular season so I thought he did a really good job. Obviously we don't want to be giving up 45 shots too many nights, but he'll take that win."
Friday morning, the Sabres sent Ullmark and Brendan Guhle back to Rochester.
The Amerks have had three games since then and play again tonight in Utica. They're two points back of Toronto for first place in the North Division.
For more on the Amerks, check out this week's update.