Two of the NHL's hottest teams over the past two months go head-to-head when the Nashville Predators host the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday.

Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson was named the NHL’s First Star of the Week, the league announced Monday. The alternate captain led the NHL with nine points (3+6) during the week, powering the Sabres to a 2-1-1 record in a crucial stretch of schedule.

Josh Norris left midway through the second period against the Flyers with an upper-body injury and did not return.

The Buffalo Sabres' surprising nine-game win streak has been achieved by a revitalized defense, timely offense and veteran player performances.

Tage Thompson scored three times, including the 200th of his career, and added two assists in the Buffalo Sabres’ 5-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens.

Minnesota overcame blowing a two-goal lead before Mats Zuccarello's overtime winner lifted the Wild to a 5-4 overtime win in Buffalo.