Sabres at Lightning 11/9/19 - NHL Picks & Predictions

Buffalo got off to a hot start but has taken a 180 in recent games. The Sabres won eight of 10 to start the season but have since dropped four of their last five contests. A big reason for the downturn has been a lack of scoring, as the Sabres have found the net an average of just 1.4 times over that stretch. Meanwhile, Buffalo took a 6-1 whipping at Washington last Friday.

Center Jack Eichel has seven goals and 10 assists but has slowed down his production as the Sabres have faltered. Eichel ramped up his assist total last season with 54 -- 15 more than in any previous season. Eichel returning to top form will be a key ingredient for Buffalo continuing to compete in the Atlantic Division.

Tampa Bay can't find consistency either way this season, with no more than two-straight losses or wins over their 13 games. Ondrej Palat's stats don't jump off the page, but he's been a key for Tampa Bay's success this season, with a team-leading plus-minus of +6. He scored twice and had an assist in a thrilling 7-6 overtime win on October 30 against New Jersey.

Kevin Shattenkirk has been a key contributor to goals as well for the Lightning, with six assists from his defensive position. Shattenkirk has also scored four times and looks to be involed way more in the offense than he was with New York last season, where he scored twice and had 26 assists.