Ennis to make NHL debut

PHILADELPHIA -- Buffalo Sabres prospect Tyler Ennis is expected to make his NHL debut tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers after winger Drew Stafford suffered a hip-flexor injury Friday night against the Calgary Flames.

Ennis, selected 26th overall in 2008, was flying from Buffalo to Philadelphia and was scheduled to land about two hours before the game. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff was still figuring out how he would use the 20-year-old center but was considering playing him between veterans Thomas Vanek and Tim Connolly. Ennis also was expected to get some time on the power play.

"He makes a lot of good plays," Ruff said. "With a skill guy out of the lineup, we look to put a little more skill against these guys."  

Ruff had a chance to see Ennis, who is 5-foot-9 and 163 pounds, record two assists Thursday night when Portland played Rochester in HSBC Arena. Ennis was second behind Mark Mancari among Pirates in scoring with six goals and 13 points. Ennis had 43 goals and 85 points in 61 games last season with Medicine Hat in the Western Hockey League.

Stafford did not skate during the optional morning workout. The other scratches will be forward Mike Grier and defensemen Toni Lydman and Nathan Paetsch.

--- Bucky Gleason

Comments

[Stu]

The first game against Philly we looked scared; tonight, after last nights tough gritty game, we looked determined. Way to go Buffalo!!! Maybe we saved it up to stick it to Danny boy.

[Jeff]

Every message board for every team in every sport gets more comments after a loss. I don't understand why some people are so turned off by this. Enjoy the wins, vent after the losses.

[ZAP]

Do not like seeing Miller in net tonite. We can not keep playing him on back to back games. This will come back to hurt us later in the year. If you do not trust your back up find one you can. I do like the energy so far tonite , lets keep it up.

[Noons]

I love your predictions Greg B and I think that you are spot on with them too. The Dark side took a big hit today when "Buffalo Excuses" came over to the cup is half full side of the line. I have read this blog for 3 years and never posted until 3 days ago. Don't know why I started now, I don't know why "Buffalo Excuses" has changed the record that he has been playing for the last 2+ years. Things are changing on and off the ice. I predict that Ennis has two points tonight. I am thinking 2 assists.
We can win tonight but if we don't the season is FAR from over.

[brian]

Don Edwards

[Greg B.]

Tough game tonight against a well-rested and better team. I think we end up on the short end of the stick. I predict that there will be 3x as many comments after tonight's game than after last night's big win. I predict at least one person will predict that this team misses the playoffs or declares the season over. The following words will be used during and after the game: soft, heartless, same team, Mister Softee.

[Joe]

Who is starting goaltender??