HELSINKI, Finland -- Marc-Andre Gragnani's power-play skills have given him the edge over fellow defenseman Mike Weber, so Gragnani will be in the lineup tonight when the Sabres open the regular season against Anaheim.
Calling it a tough decision to sit Weber, coach Lindy Ruff said special teams are a vital part of the game and Gragnani's ability to man the point was a key factor in the decision.
Matt Ellis will be the healthy scratch among forwards, while Jochen Hecht is out with concussion symptoms.
--John Vogl
