BUFFALO, N.Y. — Five points in their last three games have the Sabres in 12th place in the Eastern Conference, and still a steep hill to climb. They're 10 points out of the final playoff spot through Thursday's action.

Sabres practiced Friday at First Niagara Center before flying out for Saturday's game at the Islanders. Forward Tyler Ennis back on the ice after missing Thursday's skate with the flu. Forward Drew Stafford also practiced for the second straight day. He missed last game with the flu as well. Lindy Ruff said both guys should be good to go Saturday on Long Island.

Thomas Vanek is still nursing an upper body injury suffered in Tuesday's win over Montreal and will be out.

The Sabres have seen an improvement in play over the past few games, but still plenty to work on as they try to dig out of the first-half slump.

"I know it will come, we still have to score. We don't want to talk about chances anymore. You have to create them to get them. The more you create the better chance you have and the less you give the easier it is for your goaltender, and I think we've played harder in some situations which has made a differences," said Lindy Ruff.

"It's worked the last couple of games, but we still have a lot of work ahead of us. We still try to improve everyday and tomorrow's another important game and we need to come up with two points," said Christian Ehrhoff.