The Sabres had an optional morning skate in HSBC Arena in preparation for tonight's game against the Florida Panthers. Based on Tuesday's win over Anaheim, you would not anticipate any lineup changes. That would mean the scratches would continue to be Tim Connolly, Shaone Morrisonn, Chris Butler and Luke Adam.
Morrisonn has been cleared for contact after his concussion but is now going to have to wait his turn to get back in the lineup.
"We're desperate for defensemen to play well," coach Lindy Ruff said. Realistically, however, Morrisonn could only go in for some point for Mike Weber or Craig Rivet. Ryan Miller goes for his 200th career victory tonight.
George Richards of the Miami Herald, author of the whimsical On Frozen Pond blog that is one of the league's best, is reporting that Tomas Vokoun will start in goal for the Panthers tonight. Vokoun was pulled after just 11 minutes last night in Pittsburgh, giving up the first three goals in a 5-2 defeat. Vokoun is 13-13 with a 2.49 goals-against average and .922 save percentage. Backup Scott Clemmensen (2-4, 2.61, 9.13) finished last night and played well.
It makes a big difference to the Sabres who plays. Buffalo is 11-3-2 this year against backup goalies and just 3-13-2 against starters in one of the more bizarre stats of the season you'll ever find.
---Mike Harrington
(www.twitter.com/bnharrington)
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Sabres game day
