Many Buffalo Sabres season-ticket holders have been frustrated, disappointed and downright disgusted with their team’s play at HSBC Arena.

The Sabres home record currently stands at 0-4-1, with the team being outscored 17-9 in those contests. It is because of this very poor start at home that the Sabres are currently in 12th place in the Eastern Conference.

The team’s play away from home however, has been stellar, earning a 3-1 record. The Sabres have outscored their road opponents 15-7 in those four games.

It is a mystery as to why the Sabres seem to skate to relatively easy wins during these road games, but fail to generate the same type of play and excitement at home.

This week, the Sabres embark on a series of three road games, starting Tuesday night at Philadelphia. The Sabres then round out the mini road trip with games at Atlanta on Friday and then Dallas the night after.

Both Philadelphia and Atlanta are tied with the Sabres in points with seven, so the Sabres could gain some ground in the Eastern Conference race with a good showing this week.

At home, the Sabres have seemed to feel the pressure and the high expectations that have been present since the start of the season.

After all, the team did win the Northeast Division title last year, and their early success in that season was reflected in the standings at the end of the year.

In the first nine games of last season, the Sabres’ record was 7-1-1, compared to 3-5-1 this season. In the long run, a division title means nothing if compared to the lackluster effort in the playoffs shown last season.

If this means that the Sabres will peak come playoff time, then it is easier to swallow these early-season struggles.

However, in order to play in peak condition in the playoffs, they have to claim a top eight spot in the Eastern Conference first.

The Sabres could potentially see the return of winger Jason Pominville, who is recovering very nicely from his concussion. According to WGR 550 in Buffalo, Pominville is hoping to be ready by the weekend.

Defenseman Shaone Morrisonn is still out with a groin injury, but has been going through a full practice. Chris Butler, who has played well in his stead, will continue to patrol the blue line for the near future.

Craig Rivet, who did not play in the 6-1 win over the Devils, looks like he will play against the Flyers.

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