The Tampa Bay power play is actually better on the road, connecting at 34.3 percent (Pittsburgh leads at 34.6 percent).

Individual numbers are equally astounding.

Winger Nikita Kucherov has roared into the NHL lead in both assists (51) and points (72). The Lightning went 13-0-1 in December and Kucherov averaged 2.15 points per game with nine goals and 30 points in the 14 games. Kucherov has eight goals and 19 points in 20 career games against Buffalo.

Center Brayden Point leads the team with 28 goals, four off the NHL lead, and entered Friday tied for sixth in scoring with 60 points. Steven Stamkos is having another big year with 23 goals and 49 points.

The Sabres have had some success against Tampa in recent games, going 3-2 in the last five and splitting two meetings this year. Buffalo's 2-1 home victory on Nov. 13 was win No. 3 in its big streak. Prior to those five games, the Sabres had been just 1-11-1 against Tampa Bay.

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To activate Jack Eichel off injured reserve Friday, the Sabres returned winger C.J. Smith to Rochester. Smith played four games and recorded one point, getting his first NHL goal in Tuesday's win over New Jersey.