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Sabres look to continue dominance against Lightning

Feb 20, 2008 - 11:59 AM Tampa Bay (25-28-6) at Buffalo (28-23-8) 7:00 pm EST

BUFFALO, New York (Ticker) -- The Buffalo Sabres have defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning twice this season and nine of the last 10 times they have played.

The Sabres will look to continue their dominance when the teams meet on Wednesday.

"You can't explain why you struggle against teams, and you can't explain why you end up having success against them," Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff said.

After an 8-0-2 run, the Sabres have dropped two consecutive games - including a 4-1 loss on Sunday to Pittsburgh.

"Same story, a different game," said Buffalo left wing Thomas Vanek, who scored his team-leading 22nd goal on Sunday. "We have to be pleased with the effort, but it's still a loss."

The Sabres have won 14 of their last 19 games at home against Tampa Bay, which has turned around its road fortunes. The Lightning started the season 3-14-3 on the road, but are 7-0-1 in their last eight games. Tampa Bay was 4-0-1 in its last five games before losing to Washington, 3-2, on Saturday.

Lightning goaltender Johan Holmqvist is 7-2-1 with a 2.52 goals-against average and two shutouts since January 12.