Sharpen Up: November 14, 2018

After beating the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 last night, the Sabres sit three points behind the Lightning for first place in the Atlantic Division.
Jeff Skinner and Kyle Okposo scored. Carter Hutton made 29 saves to earn first-star honors.
Here's what you need to know.

About last night

While the Sabres are 6-2-2 in their last 10 and on a three-game winning streak, Okposo knows there's still a lot of work to do.
"I know we've won the last three games, but we've probably only played really good for about period-and-a-half. So we've got some stuff to clean up," he said. "Obviously we're getting good points and good teams find a way to win so we've got to definitely take some solace in that, but we've got to get back to our game and get back to the way we can play."
They'll have two days of preparation before heading out for a series of big tests. They'll be in Winnipeg on Friday, in Minnesota on Saturday and in Pittsburgh on Monday.
Their next home game will be next Wednesday when Philadelphia comes to town for a nationally televised game. Tickets are on sale now.

From the Lexus Postgame Report…
Carter Hutton had earned a favor from the goal post, even if he didn't necessarily need it.
Hutton had already made 29 saves by the time Nikita Kucherov caught a pass from Steven Stamkos in the dying seconds of the Buffalo Sabres' game against Tampa Bay on Tuesday night. Kucherov, as dangerous a goal scorer as any, ripped one last shot in desperation.
The sound of the puck ringing the goal post was followed by the roar of the buzzer, putting the finishing touches on a 2-1 win for the Sabres, but Hutton felt he was in position to make the save regardless.
"I think it hit the outside of the post anyways," the goaltender said afterward.

It would have been of one more great save in an evening full of them. The Sabres have won in a multitude of ways this season, and the same is true of their current three-game win streak. They had to battle from behind and score a total of 10 goals to earn wins in their last two games, against Montreal and Vancouver.
Against the Atlantic Division leading Lightning, they needed a big night from their goalie to protect a one-goal lead. Hutton delivered, helping the Sabres weather the storm during a second period in which they were outshot 14-2.
"This league's so tough to win in," forward Jeff Skinner said. "I think the margin for error's so small that some nights you're going to have to sort of grind one out maybe you don't deserve to win. … Hutts played a pretty big game for us and he got us a win.
"Sometimes you need a goalie to steal you one and I think he did that tonight for us."
You can read the full recap here.

Turkeys for Tickets takes place tomorrow morning

The Sabres have partnered with Wegmans and Entercom Buffalo for a Thanksgiving turkey drive on Thursday, Nov. 15 to benefit local food pantries. The turkey drive will take place from 6 to 9 a.m. in the following locations:
• KeyBank Center Surface Lot (Enter lot from Baltimore Street, via Perry Street)
• Wegmans in Amherst(675 Alberta Dr., Amherst, NY 14226)
• Wegmans in West Seneca (370 Orchard Park Rd., West Seneca, NY 14224)
The annual Thanksgiving turkey drive returns this season after collecting more than 2,000 turkeys last year.
For every 20-pound turkey dropped off, or the equivalent of a 20-pound turkey, the Sabres will give the donor two tickets to an upcoming game. Tickets (maximum of four per person) will be distributed immediately at the drop-off sites.
Click here for more information and a full FAQ.