Ruff draws lines

At the start of training camp, Lindy Ruff warned us not to read too much into the lines the first few days. This morning, however, the Sabres coach told me he has started to draw some up in his mind. Here's how he broke them down ...

Thomas Vanek-Derek Roy-Maxim Afinogenov: The only intact line from last season. They've skated together in camp the past two days.

Ales Kotalik-Tim Connolly-Jason Pominville: They were a trio two years ago, and Ruff likes the chemistry between Connolly and Kotalik. Afinogenov also could land on the right wing of this line, with Pominville or Stafford elevated with Roy and Vanek.

Paul Gaustad-Jochen Hecht-Drew Stafford: Gaustad and Hecht could play either left wing or center.

Andrew Peters/Daniel Paille-Adam Mair-Michael Ryan: Depending on the opponent, Peters would be on the left wing. Mair is the only one of this group with NHL center experience.

---Tim Graham