[open thread] Sabres vs. Blackhawks

Time: 7:00 TV: MSG(HD) Radio: WGR55

This is the most highly anticipated regular season games played at HSBC Arena in a long time.  The Sabres and Blackhawks are not rivals, in fact they hardly ever play each other, number one overall pick Patrick Kane plays in Buffalo for the first time as a pro.  Kane grew up in Buffalo as a Sabres fan before the NHL dream moved him from place to place.  Kane will return to the place of his childhood memories tonight as the Sabres and Blackhawks meet at 7pm.

Every kid grows hope hoping to play in the NHL, NFL, NBA or Major League Baseball, Kane has lived that dream and tonight he will do it in front of friends and family in the building he grew up with.  Kane attended many games in HSBC Arena and he even signed a beam in the Arena, long before he ever thought he would be playing there in an NHL game.  A couple of weeks ago the Sabres welcomed Lee Stempniak and the St. Louis Blues into twon and tonight it will be Kane.  It should be an emotioanl night for the Kane family and it is two points the Sabres are desperate to get.

Team Leaders

Buffalo Sabres

• Goals:Derek Roy 12

• Points: Derek Roy 26

• +/-: Derek Roy +9

• PIM: Paul Gaustad 49

Chicago Blackhawks

• Goals:  Patrick Sharp 14

• Points:  Patrick Kane 30

• +/-: Robert Lang +12

• PIM: Adam Burish 65

Projected Line combinations

Buffalo Forwards
26-Vanek, 9-Roy, 21-Stafford
55-Hecht, 28-Gaustad, 29-Pominville
12-Kotalik, 19-Connolly, 61-Afinogenov
37-Ryan, 22-Mair, 20-Paille

Buffalo Defensemen
6-Spacek, 51-Campbell
5-Lydman, 10-Tallinder
4-Pratt,38-Paetsch

Goaltenders
35-Thibault, 30-Miller

As per usual this thread is meant to spur conversation and create a Buffalo Sabres community.  If you're watching the game you might as well join us and chat a little bit.  I highly recommend you create a free account and grab a beer and join us for some good conversation.