Weber up; Lydman, Rivet practicing

SUNRISE, Fla. -- The Sabres have recalled defenseman Mike Weber from Portland, evidenced by the fact he is on the ice right now for the morning skate in BankAtlantic Center. He is up because of injuries to Craig Rivet (upper body) and Toni Lydman, who was injured blocking a shot Monday, but both veteran defensemen are also on the ice.

We'll have to wait for Lindy Ruff's post-practice chat to see who will play against the Florida Panthers tonight.

The forward lines for the skate:

Thomas Vanek-Derek Roy-Drew Stafford

Paul Gaustad-Jochen Hecht-Jason Pominville

Maxim Afinogenov-Adam Mair-Ales Kotalik

Andrew Peters/Daniel Paille-Clarke MacArthur-Mark Mancari.

Post-practice update: Lydman will play tonight while Rivet and Weber will not. Peters will also be scratched. Weber's stay with the Sabres may be a short one depending on how the Sabres get through tonight's game health wise. He may go back to Portland without even playing a game.

--John Vogl

Comments

[danp727]

Most of the blame belongs to Management here. While there was clearly a commitment made to keeping the team’s “core” players together and the announced intention of making the signing of Miller and Pominville the top priority, no plan was made for the team’s veterans. There are six soon to be unrestricted free agents (Afinogenov, Connolly, Kotalik, Numminen, Spacek and Peters) and there seems to be no apparent strategy other than wishing and hoping.

No doubt, Peters will probably be re-signed and possibly Numminen as a solid 7th D-Man. Meanwhile, the team is forced to dedicate roster spots to four “lame ducks” who do not figure into the team’s long term plans. It would be nice to see some decisive action while this season is still salvageable.

[Chad]

I'd start watching paint dry but for fear that I'd die from the vast increase in excitement relative to this game. Where is the team that finished 4th in goals last. At least if it were really "same team, same results" we'd actually be seeing a few goals. I almost fell off my chair when I heard we 18 shots after the first period. That must be a record for fewest scoring chances with 18 shots. Max looks good, at least.