The Sabres have lost four games in a row and have headline writers searching for over-thought ways to express their frustration. They face the slumping Lightning, who aren’t faring too much better than the Sabres these days after a hot start. The big news in this game for western New Yorkers is our first glimpse of Canisius grad Cory Conacher, who is leading all rookies with seven goals and ten assists, and is the front runner for the Calder Trophy.
Game #20
Buffalo Sabres (6-12-1) at Tampa Bay Lightning (9-8-1)
Puck Drop – 7:30pm – Tampa Bay Times Forum – Tampa, FL
TV – MSG, SUN Sports | Radio – WGR 550-AM
Lightning Blog – Raw Charge (Please play nice if you’re going to visit.)
Story
The Sabres have recalled Adam Pardy from Rochester to fill in for Alex Sulzer, who is on IR, and will play in place of TJ Brennan, who’s a healthy scratch along with John Scott. This is also the annual “Parent’s Trip” for the Sabres, who are allowed to bring one parent or mentor along with them on their Florida road trip. Will the extra pressure of having mom watch inspire the Sabres to new heights? Which at this point would just be a win? Man, I hope so.
Projected Buffalo Lines
Vanek – Hodgson – Pominville
Foligno – Ennis – Stafford
Gerbe – Grigorenko – Kaleta
Ott – Porter – Hecht
Ehrhoff – Sekera
Regehr – Myers
Weber – Pardy
Goal: Ryan Miller
Scratches/Injuries: Leopold, Sulzer, Brennan, Scott, Leino
Projected Tampa Bay Lines
Conacher – Stamkos – Purcell
Pouliot – Lecavalier – St. Louis
Killorn – Pyatt – Thompson
Crombeen – Hall – Panik
Brewer – Carle
Salo – Hedman
Aulie – Bergeron
Goal: Matthieu Garon