HSBC Arena

HSBC Arena as the Sabres get set to take on the Leafs. Yes, the Leafs. There are no Laffs here when they're exactly three points behind Buffalo. We've got our usual number of empty 300-level seats because of that lovely platinum pricing. In response to some of the comments that I failed to join the jubilation during Wednesday's win/14 minutes of good play against Florida, I promise to be more cheery during tonight's festivities.

Now, you should know I will be very impressed if the Sabres win tonight and tomorrow in Montreal to cut their deficit to three points. But unless that happens, you're not going to get a lot of cheer here about effort. I was talking to Drew Stafford this morning and he was very open about his struggles of late, pointing out how it's about working harder and having that fact reinforced in his play. Nice. In game 74, the team's fourth-leading scorer has come to the realization he better work hard so Lindy Ruff doesn't scratch him.

A healthy Ryan Miller stopped 33 shots, including the first 16 he faced, helping the Buffalo Sabres notch a 5-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs Friday at HSBC Arena. It was the first game for the Buffalo goalie since injuring his ankle against the New York Rangers on Feb. 21. Miller improved to 31 wins this season. Tim Connolly scored twice for the Sabres, who remain in the playoff hunt.

Joanna Krupa

The Polish-born beauty is one of the most Googled gals on the Internet, has been named the "Sexiest Swimsuit Model in the World" by Playboy, and graced the cover of almost every men’s magazine on the planet, from Maxim to Esquire to GQ.And even though Krupa is in an industry where so many sleep their way to-the-top, she says she has never once sacrificed her moral integrity to land a job.

"I can tell you that I am very proud that everything I have achieved to date has happened due to the hard work of my team and myself," she said. "I was never tempted to give in because I have always been in committed relationships, and take the word 'committed' very seriously."

Speaking of being taken seriously, the 29-year-old swimsuit stunner has thus made a conscious effort to stay well away from the temptations of Tinseltown, so don’t expect to see her hanging with the likes of Hilton or Lohan anytime soon.But when she isn’t doing a topless shoot, filming a reality show with her model sister, or being flown to every exotic location known to humankind, Krupa is using her star power to help others.

new mexico road conditions

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Lubbock District's 18 maintenance sections, vehicles and snow plows are ready in anticipation of a winter storm expected to impact the South Plains on Friday.The safety of the traveling public is TxDOT's priority-responding to snow and ice situations as quickly as possible, said Tracy Cumby, Lubbock District maintenance administrator."Our maintenance crews are prepared to work in shifts and around the clock to monitor and clear the roadways of snow," Cumby said.

According to the National Weather Service, snow accumulations are possible with the winter storm. Strong winds are also anticipated."We can plow the roadways but blowing snow can severely limit roadway visibility. Travelers need to use caution," Cumby said. "Traveling during adverse weather conditions is sometimes unavoidable, but motorists can take precautions before heading out."

Assemble a winter storm kit. The kit should include: a flashlight, new batteries, jumper cables, matches, abrasive material (sand, kitty litter, even floor mats), shovel, ice scraper, warning devices (flares), road map and blankets. For longer trips, take along water, non-perishable food, medicine and a cell phone. It's a good idea to let a friend or family member know your anticipated route and arrival time.