Sabres at Penguins | How to watch, lineup notes, and storylines

With a successful four-game homestand in their rearview mirror, the Buffalo Sabers will look to continue their strong play in the heavy portion of the schedule starting with a trip to play the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena on Wednesday.

The Sabers play 13 of their next 18 games on the road. They are 1-5-2 away from KeyBank Center this season (as opposed to 8-4-2 at home) but they won their most recent road game at Detroit on November 15.

In all of their road losses, the Sabers were tied or within a goal during the third period.

“We know we definitely need to get a win on the road,” Sabers coach Lindy Ruff said. “We’ve got to be a better road team. We’ve been right there in a lot of road games, but we haven’t closed the deal.”

Buffalo enters Pittsburgh with momentum, having won four of its last five games to get its season points percentage back over .500 at 9-9-4. Zack Benson and Jason Zucker have both made quick impacts since returning to the lineup, with the roster getting healthier as well.

Although early in the season, tonight’s game presents an opportunity: Buffalo trails Pittsburgh by three points in the standings as both teams vie for a spot in a crowded Eastern Conference wild card picture.

The puck drops at 7 p.m. Here’s what you need to know in the meantime.