Sharpen Up: January 25, 2019

It's All-Star Weekend! Jack Eichel and Jeff Skinner are in San Jose for the festivities.
The NHL Skills Competition will take place tonight at 9 p.m. ET from SAP Center on NBCSN. Tomorrow, the 2019 Honda NHL All-Star Game - a 3-on-3 tournament - will begin at 8 p.m. on NBC.
The Sabres will return from their bye week with a practice on Sunday and their next game will be Tuesday in Columbus.
Here's what you need to know.

We're live in San Jose

Sabres.com is on the scene and checked in with Eichel and Skinner during last night's Media Day event.
From our story on the evening…
Given the way their first 45 games as teammates went, it seemed fitting that Jack Eichel and Jeff Skinner shared a podium when the NHL's brightest stars assembled for All-Star Media Day at City National Civil Auditorium on Thursday evening.
"It feels like we're back in the locker room," Skinner said, flashing the trademark smile that's become familiar to fans in Buffalo over the past five months. Eichel and Skinner carved their paths to San Jose with a center-wing chemistry that's wrought comparisons to Pat LaFontaine and Alexander Mogilny. Eichel leads the Sabres and ranks 26th in the NHL with 52 points; Skinner is tied for second in the league with 30 goals. They've connected for 22 goals.

The Sabres last had multiple All-Stars in 2007, when Danny Briere, Brian Campbell and Ryan Miller were starters on a Lindy Ruff-coached Eastern Conference team. After serving as the team's lone representative last year, Eichel said it felt more special to have a teammate to share the experience with.
"Yeah, it is," he said. "Last year was an awesome experience and I had a great time. I think it just makes it that much more special that I can do it with Skins this time."

The chemistry between Skinner and Buffalo has come naturally. He was selected to the Atlantic Division roster as the "Last Man In," which required winning a fan vote against seven other players.
"I think it just shows the passion of Sabres fans," he said. "I think, to me, I'm grateful that they probably put in a lot of work for that to happen and hopefully I can represent them well.
"He's a really likable guy, he has a good time, he plays hard and obviously he's had a lot of success this year," Eichel added. "So, I wouldn't say I'm too surprised that they've taken him in like they have."
You can read the full story here…

What to look for tonight

During a Facebook Live chat with Brian Duff, Skinner said he's likely going to be participating in the Gatorade NHL Puck Control event.
Here's the official description of what that entails:
Eight players will compete in the Gatorade NHL Puck Control™, a timed single-round event that includes three skills: (1) Stickhandling, where a skater controls a puck through a series of ten pucks in a straight line; (2) Cone Control, where a skater controls a puck through a series of eight cones in a zig-zag formation; and (3) Gates, where a skater approaches each gate and is required to shoot or otherwise guide the puck through the lit rung of the gate. Following the gates, time stops when the puck is shot into the game net.
Each skill must be completed before moving on to the next skill. The referee's whistles will signal completion of each skill and the player to complete the three skills in the fastest time is deemed the winner of the Gatorade NHL Puck Control™.
If there is a tie for the fastest time, the tied players will compete again to determine the winner.
Eichel, meanwhile, will take a shot once again at claiming the title of fastest skater. Here's another look at his third-place finish last year:
Again, here's the official description of the event from the NHL:
Eight players will compete in the Enterprise NHL Fastest Skater™.
Each skater will be timed for one full lap around the rink. The skater may choose the direction of their lap and can be positioned a maximum of three feet behind the start line located on the penalty box side of the center red line. The skater must start on the referee's whistle and the timing clock will start when the skater crosses the start line.
In the event of a clock malfunction, the official time will be recorded by the referee's stopwatch.
The skater with the fastest time is the winner of the Bridgestone NHL Fastest Skater™, and if there is a tie for the fastest time, the tied players will skate another lap to determine the winner.
Check out details on each event here (as well as results as they happen).

Amerks games this weekend

On Wednesday against Binghamton, Rochester Americans defenseman Zach Redmond set the single-season franchise record for goals by a defenseman with his 19th of the year. He's now out, however, with a lower-body injury.
Watch: Youtube Video
Tonight, fans in the local broadcast market can catch the game against Utica on MSG. Tickets are also on sale at Amerks.com if you'd prefer to watch in person.
The Amerks are currently in first place in the North Division with 53 points. We have more on what's happening in Rochester here in our weekly Amerks Update.

Casino for a Cause is next Saturday

Enjoy a 1920s-themed evening with your favorite Sabres players at Casino for a Cause on Feb. 2 at Town Ballroom. The 21+ event is being put on by Zach Bogosian's Bogo Bunch Foundation. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $125 and are on sale here.
The night at the old "Town Casino" will feature a silent and live auction with live music by the Rat Pack Band, complimentary beverages and passed Hors d'oeuvres, and complimentary valet parking.
The Sabres will act as dealers at the gaming tables. Each guest will receive chips to start. No real money will be used at the tables.
Dress in 1920s-themed outfits or cocktail attire.