Pucks are on the ice in Russia and Switzerland. In North America, talks remain on ice.
The first day of the world junior tournament is complete as Finland, Canada, Sweden and host Russia opened with victories in the under-20 competition.
Joel Armia, the Sabres' first-round pick in 2011, had two assists in Finland's 5-1 victory over Latvia. Zemgus Girgensons, the second of Buffalo's two first-rounders this year, has elected to stay with the Rochester Americans rather than play for Latvia.
Mikhail Grigorenko, the Sabres' top pick in June, had an assist in Russia's 3-2 overtime victory against Slovakia. Goaltender Andrey Makarov, signed to a three-year contract by the Sabres in September, served as Russia's backup.
The United States and captain Jake McCabe, picked in the second round by Buffalo in June, play Germany on Thursday.
Meanwhile, in Switzerland, the Spengler Cup is under way. Sabres captain Jason Pominville, former Buffalo forward Jochen Hecht and their Mannheim Eagles play against Canada this afternoon. Tyler Seguin, John Tavares and Jason Spezza are among the NHLers playing for The True North.
For those who remain interested in billionaires and millionaires fighting, the NHL and NHL Players' Association still do not have negotiations planned, according to Yahoo! Sports. Mike Harrington wrote today about Sabres fans keeping their season tickets despite the lockout.
---John Vogl
