Buffalo takes on Chicago after Kulich's 2-goal performance

Chicago Blackhawks (12-21-2, in the Central Division) vs. Buffalo Sabres (12-19-4, in the Atlantic Division)

Buffalo, New York; Friday, 7 p.m. EST

Sabres -176, Blackhawks +147; over/under is 6

BOTTOM LINE: The Buffalo Sabres host the Chicago Blackhawks after Jiri Kulich scored two goals in the Sabres' 7-1 win against the New York Islanders.

Buffalo has a 6-10-3 record in home games and a 12-19-4 record overall. The Sabres have conceded 119 goals while scoring 103 for a -16 scoring differential.

Chicago has gone 5-13-2 on the road and 12-21-2 overall. The Blackhawks have a 3-6-2 record in games decided by one goal.

The teams play Friday for the second time this season. The Sabres won 4-2 in the previous matchup.

TOP PERFORMERS: Tage Thompson has 17 goals and nine assists for the Sabres. Kulich has four goals and two assists over the last 10 games.

Ryan Donato has 11 goals and nine assists for the Blackhawks. Ilya Mikheyev has scored five goals with three assists over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Sabres: 1-7-2, averaging 2.8 goals, five assists, 4.6 penalties and 12.5 penalty minutes while giving up 3.6 goals per game.

Blackhawks: 4-6-0, averaging 2.9 goals, five assists, 3.9 penalties and 9.4 penalty minutes while giving up 3.1 goals per game.

INJURIES: Sabres: None listed.

Blackhawks: None listed.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.