Sharpen Up: October 21, 2021 | Homestand wraps up tomorrow vs. Boston

The Buffalo Sabres will practice today ahead of tomorrow night's home game against the Boston Bruins.
It'll be a 7 p.m. faceoff from KeyBank Center and tickets are on sale now. To watch the game from home, you'll need an ESPN+ subscription.
We'll have more from practice today here on Sabres.com.
Here's what you need to know.

Inside the numbers of the 3-0-0 start

Sabres.com's Jourdon LaBarber took a look at some of the underlying factors that have helped Buffalo get off to a great start. Here's a are some of those reasons:
The Sabres own a 57.08 shot attempt percentage at 5-on-5. That number ranks third in the NHL behind Boston and Calgary.
Buffalo's share of scoring chances at 5-on-5 is 65.26 percent, second to only Calgary.
While all four lines have managed to contribute, two have been particularly dominant. The Sabres have out-chanced opponents, 19-5, with the trio of Rasmus Asplund, Tage Thompson, and Victor Olofsson on the ice at 5-on-5. The tally is 12-3 in favor of Buffalo with Zemgus Girgensons, Cody Eakin, and Kyle Okposo on the ice.
The Sabres have allowed four goals or less through their first three games just three times in franchise history: 1994-95 (4), 2008-09 (3), and 2009-10 (3). This year makes it four.

The goaltenders have been strong as the last line of defense. Craig Anderson has stopped 62 of 65 shots faced in two starts. Dustin Tokarski made 20 saves on 21 shots in his lone start.
But the Sabres have helped their goaltenders by limiting quality chances. Their average of 7.97 high-danger shot attempts allowed per 60 minutes ranks eighth in the NHL.
"The biggest thing is the way we hunt down pucks, the way we are always buzzing around," forward Drake Caggiula said. "We don't give teams a lot of time and space.
Read more here.

Yesterday's practice

Cody Eakin left the session early after colliding with the post during a drill. He was still being evaluated after practice ended.
Vinnie Hinostroza took a maintenance day but is expected to play Friday against Boston.

Click here to check out the lines and defensive pairings from Wednesday.
The Sabres are getting set to take on the Bruins, who lost 6-3 on the road to the Flyers last night despite outshooting Philadelphia 40-25. Linus Ullmark is expected to start in goal for Boston tomorrow.

Tomorrow is a White Hot Friday

The team will wear white jerseys for four select home games this year, starting tomorrow night. Enjoy a pregame happy hour with alumni appearances and giveaways for the first White Hot Friday presented by New Amsterdam Vodka.
Tickets are on sale now.

Don Granato joins the NHL @TheRink podcast

Jeff Skinner hops on NHL Tonight

ESPN+ info

Tickets for Friday night's home game against the Boston Bruins are on sale now.
If you're planning on watching from home (wherever you live), you'll need a subscription to ESPN+.
John Buccigross and Ryan Callahan will call the action (Dan Dunleavy and Rob Ray will have the radio call on WGR 550).