The set-up: The Buffalo Sabres are 2-3-2 to open the season and visit Winnipeg for an afternoon game with the 4-4-0 Jets. Neither team made the playoffs last season, with Buffalo finishing 35-31-16 (86 points) and Winnipeg posting a fairly similar record at 35-31-4 (82 points).

Buffalo: The Sabres got two power-plays goals to support a strong effort from goaltender Anders Nilsson, who made 33 saves in posting his first shutout in four years in Saturday's 3-0 win. Goalie Robin Lehner has missed the past three games with a stomach virus but is expected to start Sunday, after returning to practice Friday. The Sabres beat the Panthers yesterday afternoon at home and now fly to Winnipeg for a second straight afternoon contest. Sabres center Johan Larsson told the Buffalo News that his team was relieved to get in the win column for the first time this season in regulation, after snatching defeat from the jaws of victory several times this season.

Winnipeg: The Jets won 1-0 in Colorado Friday, backing up a 4-1 home win the night before against Dallas. Head coach Paul Maurice has praised the play of both his goaltenders, who have alternated starts all season. Hutchinson is 2-2-0 with a 2.77 GAA and a .918 save percentage, while Hellebuyck is also 2-2-0, posting a 2.79 GAA and .910 save percentage.

The pick: It's Hellebuyck's turn to be in net today and Buffalo gives the start to Lehner, who is 1-2-1 with a 3.01 GAA and .892 save percentage. Those numbers don't bode well, as Buffalo's total of 17 goals on the season is tied with Vancouver for the fewest of any NHL team, so far. Winnipeg is an 8* play.