[open thread] Buffalo Sabres vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

       vs        

7PM TV:MSG Radio:WGR55

Tonight is the first of two games in as many nights for the Sabres.  It's an important two games because the Sabres sit in ninth place and they are playing against the 14th and 15th place team sin the Eastern Conference.  The Sabres have a great opportunity to move up in the standings if they can get a couple of wins before playing against the Rangers and Flyers next.

The Lightning and Sabres have met twice this season with Buffalo winning both times.  On October 27th the Sabres won 4-3 and on January 29th the Sabres won 4-2.  The Lightning will be looking for a little revenge tonight and they have numerous players who are playing for their jobs.  The rumors surrounding the Lightning are plentiful and in another week they could be a different team.

Buffalo Leaders

Goals:Thomas Vanek 22
Assists:Brian Campbell 37
Points:Jason Pominville 52
Plus/minus:Daniel Paille +12
PIM:Andrew Peters 75

Lightning Leaders

Goals:Vincent Lecavalier 32
Assists:Martin St. Louis 50
Points:Vincent Lecavalier 76
Plus/minus:Michel Oullet +6
PIM:Shane O'Brien 124

Projected Sabres lines

MacArthur-Hecht-Pominville
Vanek-Roy-Connolly
Paille-Gaustad-Kotalik
Ryan-Mair-Kaleta

Tallinder-Lydman
Spacek-Campbell
Kalinin-Pratt