Sharpen Up: October 7, 2017

Game 2 is tonight in Brooklyn. The New York Islanders will play host to the Sabres at Barclays Center with faceoff set for 7 p.m.
Sabres.com should be your first stop for all of the big news and notes coming your way as you get ready for the game. Then tune in to the GMC pregame show at 6:30 on MSG where

Lineup news

Matt Moulson will be in the lineup tonight, likely skating on a line with Jacob Josefson and Johan Larsson. Moulson did not dress in Thursday night's opening night shootout loss to Montreal. He has eight points (6+2) in 10 career games against the Islanders.
For more on that and how the Sabres are looking to build on Thursday's game, check out Dan's Sabres Now Report:

The Islanders are coming off a 5-0 loss in Columbus last night. They're really looking forward to moving on from that one.
Zach Bogosian was not expected to make the trip with the club. He missed the opener with a lower-body injury and has not been practicing.
That means Matt Tennyson will get another game in, on a pair with Marco Scandella. In yesterday's Ice Level Practice Report,

took a look at what made them an effective duo last game.
Here's a quick excerpt:

"I thought they played extremely well," coach Phil Housley said. "Marco missing all of camp, not playing a preseason game, and stepping right into the action did a tremendous job. He's calming influence back there for sure.
"Matt, he improved throughout the camp. He understands our concepts and the way we want to play. Seeing him join the rush and his timing was really well, and defensively he had a good stick, good positon."
Scandella has been held out exhibition play as the Sabres worked him back cautiously from offseason hip surgery. Their patience paid off; Scandella logged 21:11 of ice time - the third highest mark on the team - and tallied three shot attempts and four hits in his debut on Thursday.
Scandella and Tennyson worked as a pair in practice during the week leading up to the opener, and it showed in their communication. In addition to typical responsibilities like communicating the breakout, Housley's system demands defensemen to read off of each other when joining the rush.

From the Game Notes (a.k.a. why you should be following @SabresPR)

And we'd be doing you all a disservice if we didn't highlight this NYI-BUF connection:
Jaroslav Halak was a member of the Sabres for six days during the 2013-14 season. He was acquired from the St. Louis Blues on Feb. 28 before being dealt to the Washington Capitals on March 5, and did not appear in a game during his brief stint in Buffalo.

Big win for the Amerks

Watch: Youtube Video
Justin Bailey scored twice in a 3-1 home win over Syracuse on opening night. Linus Ullmark made 28 saves.
We'll have more on Tuesday in our weekly Amerks Update. For now, check out Amerks.com's recap, which has full postgame interviews with Bailey, Ullmark, Nathan Paetsch and coach Chris Taylor.

New Beyond Blue and Gold!

Learn more about what makes Jake McCabe tick in our first episode of Beyond Blue and Gold presented by New Era of the new season. It'll also air during tonight's broadcast.

Another Party in the Plaza on Monday

Don't miss a special Kids Day Party in the Plaza on Monday in Alumni Plaza from 1 to 3 p.m. prior to the team's game against the New Jersey Devils presented by Perry's Ice Cream.
The Kids Day Party will feature airbrush tattoos, balloon animals, a fan photo area and music from DJ Milk. Kids will also be able to participate in the inflatable "Hockey Shot" from NHL Network. Perry's Ice Cream and Yancey's Fancy will have samples throughout the event.
Sabretooth and other local mascots will be making an appearance and will be available for autographs and pictures. All outdoor events are weather permitting.
Fans can take advantage of the Kids Day Ticket Offer for this game that allows fans to buy up to four $15 kids tickets with the purchase of an adult 300 Level II ticket.
Tickets can be purchased here, in person at the KeyBank Center Box Office or by phone at 1-888-223-6000.

Bobblehead Fan Vote

Those are the details. Click here to submit your suggestion.
Some alumni (or at least their families) are already starting their own campaigns: