Before the game, the Penguins gave a few roster updates, including the ill-timed news that forward Rickard Rakell suffered a lower-body injury. As a result, one of the Penguins’ top forward prospects, Avery Hayes, had been recalled from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. [ PensBurgh]

The Buffalo Sabres closed the pre-Olympic portion of their schedule with a 5-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night at KeyBank Center, despite a third-period push that briefly cut the deficit to one goal.

The Buffalo Sabres will look to shake off a pair of recent divisional losses when they play host to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday.

The Sabres, coming off a 5-3 win in Florida on Monday, are currently in the top wild card spot with 69 points – five behind the division leading Lightning (who have two games in hand).

Mattias Samuelsson helps Sabres defensemen make unique franchise history

Changes are coming regarding where you can listen to Bills and Sabres games and talk show programming.

We’ve been in constant dialogue with the NHL since I got here,” said Pete Guelli, president of business operations for the Buffalo Sabres and Bills. “We’re also letting them know that we’re open for business.

The Buffalo Sabres have the perfect opportunity to get a major piece of business done during the NHL's Olympic hiatus.