SAN JOSE – Will Smith will return to the San Jose Sharks’ lineup on Saturday night against the Buffalo Sabres but fellow forward William Eklund’s availability will be determined closer to game time, coach Ryan Warsofsky said.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen started the first game of the back-to-back set, which could line up James Reimer to make his Sabres debut in goal. Reimer was reacquired by the Sabres off waivers from Anaheim on Nov. 13.

BOTTOM LINE: The San Jose Sharks host the Buffalo Sabres after Alexander Wennberg's two-goal game against the St. Louis Blues in the Sharks' 3-2 shootout loss. San Jose has a 6-11-5 record overall and a 4-4-1 record on its home ice. The Sharks have a -21 scoring differential, with 54 total goals scored and 75 given up.

After the Joe Thornton jersey retirement ceremony, the San Jose Sharks and Buffalo Sabres have a hockey game to play, and William Eklund is being ruled as a game-time decision.

The Sabres and the Sharks meet in San Jose! The Sharks have had a rough start to the year, while the Sabres have been solid at best. We continue our NHL odds series with a Sabres-Sharks prediction and pick.