Game #73
Buffalo Sabres (20-44-8) at Nashville Predators (31-31-11)
TV – MSG, Bell TV, FS-TN | Radio – WGR 550 – AM
SB Nation Predators Blog – On the Forecheck
Three Questions
1. How will Johan Larsson look in the NHL after tearing it up in the AHL for a few months?
Larsson, known more in Buffalo for his solid defensive play more than anything, has been playing very well for the Amerks while slotted into a scoring role. He has 15 goals and 24 assists in 45 games down on the farm, but will we see any of that newly developed offense translate to what will likely be a bottom-6 role tonight?
2. Can Matt Hackett take advantage of his chance to audition for the starting role?
Don’t take my word for it, here’s what Ted Nolan said about Hackett’s temporary starting gig: “Hackett definitely earned it. That’s one thing about now, it’s audition time. You audition and you do a couple good auditions, you should get another one.”
3. Tanking effectiveness aside, can the Sabres avoid any more injuries, please?
Buffalo has nine potential starters out of the lineup (with the goalie injuries) and are bringing up players that the struggling Amerks could really use back in Rochester. Let’s just get through these last ten games without turning into the AHL Sabres (make your own jokes in the comments).
Projected BUF lines
Foligno – Ennis – Stafford
Conacher – Hodgson – Leino
Deslauriers – Flynn – D’Agostini
Scott – Larsson – Ellis
Ehrhoff – Ristolainen
Tallinder – Ruhwedel
Weber – McBain
Goal: Matt Hackett
Scratches/Injuries: Myers, Konopka, Girgensons, Stewart, Sulzer, Enroth, Neuvirth