Myers in, Stafford likely
Anyone wondering how top prospect Tyler Myers will fare in the NHL won't have to wait much longer. The Buffalo Sabres' 6-foot-8 defenseman is expected to be in the opening-night lineup.
Coach Lindy Ruff said today that Toni Lydman is out for Saturday's game against Montreal in HSBC Arena. That opens up a spot on the blue line, and Myers has earned that spot.
"In all likelihood, yeah, he’s going to play with Toni being out," Ruff said. "He’s played well. He maybe started a little slow, but his last few games he played very good hockey for us. He’s earned it. He’s earned the right to play. He’s played as good or better than some of our other players."
Lydman skated with his teammates for the first time all week. Forward Drew Stafford, meanwhile, rejoined a regular line after being slowed by a mild concussion this week. The right winger said he has improved over the past days and is ready to play.
The Sabres' lines from today's skate, which could change against the Canadiens if Stafford is healthy enough to play significant minutes:
Thomas Vanek-Derek Roy-Tim Connolly
Clarke MacArthur-Tim Kennedy-Jason Pominville
Jochen Hecht-Paul Gaustad-Mike Grier
Patrick Kaleta-Matt Ellis-Stafford
Extras: Nathan Paetsch-Adam Mair-Daniel Paille
Defense pairings:
Chris Butler-Craig Rivet
Andrej Sekera-Steve Montador
Henrik Tallinder-Tyler Myers
---John Vogl
