Game #55
Buffalo Sabres (21-27-6) at
Philadelphia Flyers (23-20-9)
Three Questions
1. How will the Sabres look in the first period?
In their last game against Florida, the Sabres laid an ostrich-sized egg, falling behind 3-0 and digging themselves into an impossibly deep hole. The Sabres are dead last in first period goals for…but the Flyers are 29th in that department. They certainly can’t do any worse than Tuesday, but let’s see how much better Buffalo can be in the first tonight.
2. Will Justin Bailey make his NHL debut tonight?
It certainly seems likely with Zemgus Girgensons being put on Injured Reserve yesterday, and it would make a great story for the boy who grew up rooting for the Sabres to take the ice for his hometown team. Bailey has come on recently in Rochester, and scored two goals and an assist in his last game with the Amerks. The Sabres could use all the offensive help they can get with their injury-ravaged lineup, and the speed and power of Bailey could help spark something in the bottom six.
3. How will Robin Lehner look after his first terrible game as a Sabre?
Lehner gets the start again tonight after being pulled in his previous appearance. He isn’t afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve, but will that help him or hurt him tonight?
Projected BUF lines
McCabe – Franson