The Sabres begin a four-game road trip at St. Louis. After bookending their holiday break with blowout victories over the Islanders and Blackhawks, the Buffalo Sabres now hit the road for four games. The trip begins Sunday afternoon versus the St. Louis Blues at Enterprise Center. Here’s what you need to know before the 3 p.m. puck drop.

Texier, Faksa questionable after each skated on Saturday; Montgomery called Saad's game against Nashville best since coach has been back; Blues have one more game to focus on before shifting to Winter

The Sabres knew the Blackhawks had an early morning flight because of the NHL’s travel restrictions during the holiday break. That left an already beatable team more prone to start slow. Buffalo took advantage with a 12-4 advantage in scoring chances in the first period, according to Natural Stat Trick.

The Buffalo Sabres picked up their second straight win, crushing the Chicago Blackhawks on home ice to the tune of 6-2.

What a difference a win makes. The second sellout crowd of the season at KeyBank Center erupted into the wave and sang along in unison throughout a jubilant third period. And there wasn’t an inflatable palm tree or frown-faced paper bag in sight.

Alex Tuch scored a hat trick for the Buffalo Sabres in a 6-2 win against the Chicago Blackhawks. Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn each had a goal and an assist in the first period.

Sabres forward Alex Tuch dropped his immediate reaction to scoring his first career hat trick on home ice on Friday.