Buffalo News writers Rachel Lenzi and Mike Harrington hop the boards for another Ice Time to discuss the Sabres' difficult schedule ahead, their difficult luck with injuries and the all-too-difficult Eastern Conference.

Mike and Rachel first take a look at the Sabres' road trip, which began Wednesday in Utah and hardly gets easier from there. They pay a visit to Nathan MacKinnon and the Avalanche, then head to Detroit before a four-game homestand.

From there, it's the all-too-frequent topic of injuries. Mike and Rachel discuss Jiri Kulich's unfortunate-but-scary blood-clot issue and how it affects the Sabres' center situation. What does Lindy Ruff want from his centers? What about Buffalo's face-off percentage ... which, in case you hadn't seen, ranks 32nd in the NHL. There's also the matter of Jason Zucker's potential timeline to return.

Finally, Mike and Rachel also discuss their most surprising teams in the all-too-tough Eastern Conference, as well as the tall tasks the Sabres face when they do come — Edmonton, Calgary, Chicago and Carolina.

The Buffalo News Ice Time Podcast is sponsored by Express Windows