The Carolina Hurricanes are coming off a 3-2 shootout win against the Flyers Saturday as they're coming to Buffalo to take on the Sabres tonight. Buffalo angered the home crowd by ending April with a 4-1 win against Arizona followed by a 4-3 victory against Toronto, but it has since dropped back-to-back games much to the fans delight. The Sabres wont have the crowd behind them tonight either despite playing at home, and I think Carolina will take this one down.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Buffalo's Tanking Project - A Sabres loss tonight would ensure them the worst record in the NHL on the season and therefore also ensure them of at least second pick in the upcoming draft. The fans relish the club's chances of getting hot prospects Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel and are not likely to support their club here. Expect cheers when Carolina scores here.

2. Carolina's Offense - While it is true that the Canes are almost as miserable as the Sabres regarding goals per game on the season at least they're creating scoring opportunities. They're in the top-half of the league with their 30.5 shots per game, compared to the league-worst Sabres and their average of 24.1 shots per game. Buffalo is also giving up a league-high in shots per game, and Carolina will get plenty of chances to test whoever is tending the Sabres net.

3. X-Factor - Carolina is 6-1-1 over the last eight in the series.

Selection: This is a play on the Carolina Hurricanes .(7*)