[open thread] Sabres @ NY Rangers

Time: 7:00 TV: MSG Radio: WGR55

This will be the first time that former Sabres captain Chris Drury will play against his former team.  Drury has been criticized for his play with the Rangers, he has struggled to find his place with the Rangers thus far.  Drury says "he has no regrets about going to the NY Rangers in free agency.

The Sabres will try to end a nine game winless streak and they will do it with four regulars still out of the lineup.  Derek Roy (shoulder), Tim Connolly (groin), Max Afinogenov (groin) and Jaro Spacek (back spasms) will all miss tonights contest.  The Sabres hope to have Spacek back this weekend but all the others will remain out.  Afinogenov was hopeful to get in the lineup soon but he apparently suffered a setback on Tuesday in practice.

Team Leaders

Buffalo Sabres

• Goals:Jochen Hecht 14

• Assists:Jason Pominville, Brian Campbell 25

• Points: Jason Pominville 35

• +/-: Daniel Paille +11

• PIM: Paul Gaustad 58

New York Rangers

• Goals:Brendan Shanahan 15

• Assists:Scott Gomez 32

• Points:Scott Gomez 42

• +/-:Marcel Hossa +7

• PIM:Colton Orr 99

Projected Line combinations

Buffalo Forwards
55-Hecht, 41-MacArthur, 29-Pominville
26-Vanek, 22-Mair, 12-Kotalik
21-Stafford, 28-Gaustad, 28-Paille
76-Peters, 37-Ryan, 36-Kaleta

Buffalo Defensemen
45-Kalinin, 51-Campbell
5-Lydman, 10-Tallinder
38-Paetsch,4-Pratt

Goaltenders
30-Miller, 35-Thibault

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.