Where the Sabres stand with 25 games to go

Buffalo News hockey writers Rachel Lenzi and Mike Harrington hop the boards for another Ice Time episode to discuss the Buffalo Sabres' blazing-hot run and their first 57 games heading into the Olympic break — and, more importantly, the 25-game sprint to the end of the regular season.

What must the Sabres do over the final sprint? They won't have to play .850 hockey, Mike says, as they did for much of the past three months. But with 70 points in 57 games, they can reasonably contend for second place in the Atlantic Division. They should expect the playoffs, not just aim for them.

In the meantime, what do the Sabres do at the trade deadline? (Jarmo Kekalainen might look to beef up the bottom pair, perhaps search for more consistency on special teams.) Can the Sabres count on Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to return, and when? And how about Mattias Samuelsson, who has earned the right to be included in some Norris Trophy discussion (along with Rasmus Dahlin).

The Buffalo News Ice Time Podcast is sponsored by Express Windows.

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