Matt Ellis will replace injured Tyler Ennis in the Sabres’ lineup for tonight’s game against Tampa Bay. The center is expected to skate between left wing Cody McCormick and right wing Brad Boyes.
"He is a consummate pro, from how hard he works, how hard he trains and an unbelievable attitude," coach Lindy Ruff said of Ellis following today’s morning skate. "If you could take some of his attributes and if you could drop one or two on different players, it’d be a hell of a player. But that comes with the battle of him trying to stay in this league, too. It’s a determination that’s pretty impressive."
The game will be Ellis’ first of the season. Forward Jochen Hecht will miss his eighth straight game. He visited with a doctor Monday but has not been cleared to return from his concussion.
The Sabres, who will be without Ennis because of an ankle sprain, are tweaking their power-play units. They will be: Jason Pominville-Thomas Vanek-Boyes, with Marc-Andre Gragnani and Christian Ehrhoff at the point; and Luke Adam-Drew Stafford-Ville Leino, with Jordan Leopold and Tyler Myers.
Ryan Miller will make his fourth straight start in net for Buffalo. The game, televised by Versus, has a 7:30 p.m. faceoff in First Niagara Center.
---John Vogl
