Islanders at Sabres
THE STORY: Despite being without several regulars, the Buffalo
Sabres seem to have weathered the storm. Bandages and all, the Sabres
held the fort to the tune of a 3-3-1 mark despite missing nine players.
On Tuesday, Lindy Ruff's club may welcome back forwards Drew Stafford
(groin) and Patrick Kaleta (lower body) as well as defenseman Robyn
Regehr (upper body) when it hosts the New York Islanders. Prior to the
returns, Ruff joked about the state of the Sabres. "I don't think
there's enough of them there to feel sorry for themselves," Ruff said of
the regulars who aren't hurt. "There's enough guys (from Rochester of
the American Hockey League) now that they (outnumber) the guys feeling
sorry. That pack is even. It's 9-9 now. We've never had it this bad." As
for the Islanders, they'll vie for their second win away from Uniondale
(1-5-2). New York is coming off a spirited 3-2 victory over the New
Jersey Devils on the back end of a home-and-home set this past weekend.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG (Buffalo), MSG Plus (New York)
ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (6-11-4):
Michael Grabner stripped Ilya Kovalchuk of the puck and netted the
team's first shorthanded goal this season Saturday. Last season, Grabner
had six of New York's NHL-best 15 shorthanded markers. Although it
ranks last in the league with 41 goals, New York tends to find its
scoring touch versus Buffalo. The Isles posted a 7-6 triumph in their
last meeting with the Sabres - and have scored at least five goals in
three of the last five outings.
ABOUT THE SABRES (13-9-1): Zack Kassian is making the most of his
time in the NHL. Kassian netted his first career NHL goal in Saturday's
5-1 victory over the Washington Capitals, one day removed from securing
his first point with an assist versus the Columbus Blue Jackets. Former
Vezina Trophy winner Ryan Miller was able to take a few shots Monday,
but did not participate in practice. Miller is still nursing a
concussion following his exchange with Boston Bruins tough guy Milan
Lucic.
OVERTIME:
1. New York goaltender Al Montoya has stopped 46 of the last 49 shots and has won his lone career appearance versus the Sabres.
2.
Buffalo left wing Tyler Ennis is not expected to play Tuesday, but a
return is considered close for the former first-round pick after missing
16 games with an ankle injury.