Here's a look at the projected lineups for tonight's matchup between the Buffalo Sabres and the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. The Avalanche, sitting atop the Western Conference with an 11-1-5 record, are looking to continue their strong homestand against a Sabres team struggling to find consistency. Buffalo enters the game with a 5-7-4 record and are in last place in the Eastern Conference.

Buffalo Sabres Projected Lineup

The Sabres are dealing with a number of injuries, which has impacted their lineup.

• Forwards: Tage Thompson — Ryan McLeod — Alex Tuch Jordan Greenway — Tyson Kozak — Josh Doan Isak Rosen — Noah Ostlund — Jack Quinn Josh Dunne — Peyton Krebs — Beck Malenstyn
• Defense: Bowen Byram — Conor Timmins Mattias Samuelsson – Owen Power Jacob Bryson — Michael Kesselring
• Goalies: Alex Lyon, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Sabres Injuries: Jason Zucker is out with an illness, and Jiri Kulich is sidelined with a blood clot. Zach Benson is also out with a lower-body injury, and both Justin Danforth and Josh Norris are on injured reserve. Rasmus Dahlin is out on leave to be with his fiancee. Carson Meyer was recently assigned to the Rochester Americans.

Colorado Avalanche Projected Lineup

The Avalanche are making some adjustments to their lineup due to a recent injury to Valeri Nichushkin. Samuel Girard is set to return after missing 15 games with an upper-body injury.

• Forwards: Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas Ross Colton — Brock Nelson — Gavin Brindley Gabriel Landeskog — Jack Drury — Victor Olofsson Parker Kelly — Zakhar Bardakov — Taylor Makar
• Defense: Devon Toews — Cale Makar Josh Manson — Brent Burns Samuel Girard — Sam Malinski
• Goalies: Mackenzie Blackwood, Scott Wedgewood

Avalanche Injuries: Logan O'Connor is out with a hip injury, Joel Kiviranta is sidelined with a lower-body injury, and Valeri Nichushkin is week to week with a lower-body injury.

Storylines to Watch

• Girard's Return: Samuel Girard's return to the lineup after a lengthy absence provides a boost to the Avalanche defense. His presence on the third pairing alongside Sam Malinski will be something to watch.
• Nichushkin's Absence: With Valeri Nichushkin out, Gavin Brindley gets an opportunity to play on the second line. Taylor Makar has been called up to fill out the fourth line.
• Goaltending Matchup: Mackenzie Blackwood is slated to start in goal for the Avalanche, making his first home start of the season.
• Sabres' Struggles: The Sabres are looking to turn things around after a tough loss in their recent game. They need to find ways to generate more offense and tighten up their defense if they want to compete against the Avalanche.

The Avalanche are favored in tonight's game, but the Sabres will be looking to play spoiler and pick up a crucial road win.