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Defending division champs seeking first win

Oct 11, 2007 - 1:41 PM Atlanta (0-3-0) at Buffalo (0-2-0) 7:00 pm EDT

BUFFALO, New York (Ticker) -- When the Atlanta Thrashers face the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday, one team will leave with their first win of the new campaign.

The Thrashers, who finished atop the Southeast Division last season with a franchise-record 97 points, have been outscored 11-4 in their first three games - including a 3-1 setback to the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday night.

Atlanta outshot Ottawa, 10-8, during the second period of Wednesday's game, marking the first time this season that it has outshot an opponent during a period. The Thrashers have put 70 shots on goal this season while allowing 107.

The Sabres, meanwhile, are trying to avoid losing their opening three games for the first time in franchise history after dropping both games of a home-and-home series with the New York Islanders last weekend.

Like Atlanta, Buffalo also had its best season in team history during 2006-07, winning the President's Trophy and the Northwest Division title with 53 victories and 113 points.

The Sabres hope goalie Ryan Miller can continue his success against Atlanta and prevent an unprecedented start to the season.

Miller has been dreadful this season, logging a 4.58 goals-against average and a .845 save percentage in his two starts. However, he has played well against the Thrashers, posting a 2-0-2 record with a 2.83 GAA against them last season.

For his career, the 27-year-old is 4-1-2 with a 2.50 GAA against Atlanta.