Sharpen Up: November 6, 2021 | Sabres return home to face Detroit tonight

The Buffalo Sabres are back in action tonight. They'll host the Detroit Red Wings in their first home game in 12 days.
Faceoff is set for 7 p.m. on MSG and WGR 550. Pregame coverage on MSG starts at 6:30. Tickets for the game are on sale now.
The organization will honor the 40th anniversary of Val James' NHL debut tonight. On November 1, 1981, James became the first Black American to play in the NHL when he suited up for the Sabres against Philadelphia.
Here's what you need to know.

Details on Val James Night

James' accomplishment was overlooked at the time, but the moment's significance has garnered the attention it deserves over the past few years.
He played in 10 NHL games - including three in the Stanley Cup Playoffs - with Buffalo in 1981-82, and another four regular-season games with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1986-87.
In 1983, he scored the goal that clinched the Calder Cup Trophy for the Rochester Americans.
James, who resides in Niagara Falls, Ontario, will be unable to attend the game, but shared his heartfelt thanks to the Sabres community for organizing the night.
"I'm afraid I will not be able to join you on November 6 for the game, but I still appreciate the fact that you are supporting me and honoring me for my achievement of becoming the first African American to play NHL hockey 40 years ago," James said in a video statement released by the team.
Tickets are on sale now.

During pregame warmups, the team will wear custom black jerseys featuring the "Breaking Barriers" logo designed last season by local artist Edreys Wajed as the crest.

Warmup pucks with the "Breaking Barriers" logo will be used by both teams, and coaches and broadcasters will wear special lapel pins with the logo during the game. Fans will have the opportunity to win warmup pucks through various giveaways and sweepstakes on Saturday.

The Sabres are donating 100 tickets to local youth organizations, including the Buffalo Police Athletic League, Breaking Barriers, Girls Sports Foundation, Hasek's Heroes and Confident Girl Mentoring, to the game.

The Buffalo Sabres Foundation has also donated $10,000 to the Buffalo Police Athletic League Can-Ice Learn to Skate program, which includes the installation of a new synthetic ice rink located at the Hennepin Community Center. The rink will be operated by Buffalo PAL and will be used to provide kids in the city with an opportunity to learn to skate and play hockey, many for the first time.
Click here for more details.

Tonight's matchup

From @SabresPR's Game Night:

Krebs makes Amerks debut

Watch: Youtube Video
Peyton Krebs, acquired from Vegas on Thursday with forward Alex Tuch, a top-10 protected 2022 first-round pick, and a 2023 second-round pick in exchange for Jack Eichel and a 2023-third round pick, played in his first game for the Rochester Americans last night.
The Amerks (5-3-0-0) pulled within a goal early in the third period, but the visiting Toronto Marlies scored twice in the final minute to cap a 4-1 victory Friday at Blue Cross Arena.
Amerks.com has the full recap:

Rookie forward JJ Peterka scored Rochester's lone goal of the game 3:36 into the third period from Sean Malone and Ethan Prow. The goal gives the first-year German winger nine points (2+7) in eight games, which includes a team-best seven assists.
Krebs, 20, began the contest centering Michael Mersch and Ryan MacInnis. Defenseman Mattias Samuelsson led all Rochester skaters with a career-best five shots.
Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made his fifth start of the season and stopped 18 of 20 shots he faced. He's 2-3-0 on the year.
The Amerks make their only trip of the season to Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza on Wednesday to face the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The 7:05 p.m. matchup will be the first of two meetings between the two clubs this season and will be carried live on 95.7 FM/950 AM ESPN Rochester as well as AHLTV.