It's another optional workout for the Sabres this morning in HSBC Arena, pretty much the norm as the schedule grinds toward its end. Maxim Afinogenov, Jochen Hecht and Tim Connolly are all on the ice after missing yesterday's practice with the flu. One player taking his option and taking a break is goaltender Patrick Lalime, who's expected to make his eighth straight start in goal tonight against the Florida Panthers.
Lindy Ruff said after yesterday's practice that he's watching Lalime closely to make sure the former backup goalie doesn't wear down in the face of his sudden workload. You wonder if Mikael Tellqvist is in line for his first start Saturday against Atlanta or Tuesday in Ottawa, especially if Lalime struggles tonight.
Cheap plug: Be sure to be here at 11:30 for Bucky Gleason's live chat. I'm sure you've got plenty to get off your chests in the wake of that third-period collapse Tuesday in Philly.
---Mike Harrington
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