[open thread] Sabres @ Thrashers

Time: 2:00 TV: MSG(HD) Radio: WGR55

The Sabres take to the road in Atlanta today.  The road is something the Sabres are going to get used to because they play most of January on the road.  These two teams have met just one time this season with Buffalo winning 6-0 in Buffalo.  The Sabres victory came before the firing of Bob Hartley so it's a new team at this point.

The Sabres have lost five consecutive games and hope that a game against the Thrashers will be the place to turn it around.  The Sabres came back from a 3-0 deficit against Ottawa on Friday but eventually lost 5-3.  

Team Leaders

Buffalo Sabres

• Goals:Jochen Hecht 14

• Assists: Tim Connolly 24

• Points: Jason Pominville 32

• +/-: Daniel Paille +8

• PIM: Paul Gaustad 53

Atlanta Thrashers

• Goals:Ilya Kovalchuk 33

• Assists:Ilya Kovalchuk 25

• Points:Ilya Kovalchuk 58

• +/-:Niclas Havelid +6

• PIM:Bobby Holik 56

Projected Line combinations

Buffalo Forwards
55-Hecht, 9-Roy, 29-Pominville
26-Vanek, 19-Connolly, 12-Kotalik
21-Stafford, 28-Gaustad, 41-MacArthur
76-Peters, 22-Mair, 37-Ryan

Buffalo Defensemen
6-Spacek, 51-Campbell
5-Lydman, 10-Tallinder
45-Kalinin,38-Paetsch

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.