Sabres vs. Bruins preview: Lehner returns as Boston visits Buffalo

The Sabres have been without the services of Robin Lehner since the first game of the season. Tonight, Lehner makes his return.

Game #46

Buffalo Sabres (17-22-4) vs.
Boston Bruins (21-16-5)

Puck Drop: 7:00 pm EST | First Niagara Center | Buffalo, NY
TV: MSG, Bell, NESN | Radio: WGR 550
SB Nation Bruins Blog: Stanley Cup of Chowder

Three Questions

1. What will Robin Lehner look like in his first game back?

After finally recovering from his lower body injury suffered in the first game, Robin Lehner is back to start game #44. He looked a bit shaky in Rochester as he rounds back in to playing form, so this question is more honest curiosity than game preview. One thing's for sure, though - if he falters early, we won't be able to overreact fast enough. Hooray internet!

2. Why is Mark Pysyk not playing? OR Will Mike Weber make a case as to why he should play over Pysyk?

Mark Pysyk has been with the Sabres all week after a conditioning stint with the Amerks, but is a healthy scratch for the second game in a row. Dan Bylsma says it's because he doesn't want to mess with a winning lineup (superstition > analytics) so it's up to Mike Weber to convince us he's worthy of playing time over Pysyk.

3. How will Jack Eichel follow up his last game against Boston?

Eichel had the best night of his young career the last time these two teams met, scoring two goals and two assists in the Sabres 6-3 win. How will Boston adjust and how will the rookie phenom produce in the rematch?

Projected BUF lines

Kane - O'Reilly - McGinn
Girgensons - Eichel - Reinhart
Foligno - Larsson - Gionta
Moulson - Schaller - Legwand

Gorges - Ristolainen
McCabe - Bogosian
Weber - Franson

Goal: Robin Lehner!

Projected BOS lines

Marchand - Bergeron - Hayes
Belesky - Spooner - Eriksson
Vatrano - Kemppainen - Connolly
Rinaldo - Talbot - Ferraro

Chara - Trotman
Seidenberg - C. Miller
Krug - K. Miller

Goal: Rask/Gustavsson