Lightning expected to face Sabres without Point

Buffalo hosts Tampa Bay on Wednesday after losing two of its last three games, with coach Lindy Ruff pointing to missed chances and a struggling power play in the Sabres’ recent setbacks. Tage Thompson has led Buffalo offensively but acknowledged that his turnovers contributed to the loss to Vegas; the Sabres have also struggled at home. Tampa arrives after a narrow loss to Winnipeg that ended a six-game points streak and left star center Brayden Point injured, while the preview articles identify the matchup as the first of the season between the teams. One betting analysis favors Tampa at -130, citing its stronger record, even-strength performance and projected goaltending edge, though it cautions that the starting goalies were unconfirmed and Point’s absence tempers confidence.