WASHINGTON -- Went to the Verizon Center as usual for the Sabres' gameday morning skate today. Been there before (George Mason's 2006 regional upset of UConn was a big highlight). Same routine: Through the Gallery Place concourse, check. Back door, check. Security table, check. Down the stairs, check. Basketball court on the arena floor. Say whaaaaaa?
Yep. No ice. Georgetown has a noon hoop affair with Harvard. Sabres apparently didn't get the memo on that one, or at least get it to me. A Sabres spokesman said there was some thought about skating at the Capitals' facility -- which is across the river in Arlington, Va. -- but it's unlikely that will take place.
The Caps did skate and the Washington Post reports that rookie Michael Neuvirth, called up two weeks ago from Hershey of the AHL, is expected to make his fourth start. He's 1-2 with a 3.70 goals against average and .872 save percentage but coming off his first win in Saturday's 4-2 victory at Edmonton.
The Sabres should go with Ryan Miller since they had Tuesday off and have the NHL-mandated two-day break coming after this one before Saturday's grudge match against Ottawa in HSBC Arena. Patrick Lalime is almost certain to play Sunday in St. Louis.
---Mike Harrington
(www.twitter.com/bnharrington)
tagged
NHL | Sabres
