Other than a 6-goal outing in Edmonton, the Sabres’ offense has been sputtering.
As a result, Coach Dan Bylsma has shuffled his lineup this morning in practice. The most noticeable move: shifting left winger Matt Moulson to the top line with Ryan O’Reilly and Kyle Okposo. Moulson has two goals on the season, both power play tallies, on 11 shots on goal.
“The chance to go out with those two guys is an opportunity,” said Moulson said. “They’re two great players.”
When playing for the New York Islanders several years ago, Moulson and Okposo often played on the same line. “We’re just going to try to rekindle some old magic,” said Okposo.
Sam Reinhart, who had been playing right wing on the top line, has slid down to the second line, centering Tyler Ennis and Zemgus Girgensons. Reinhart has been struggling to find his game.
“We need to get more offense from throughout our lineup,” Bylsma said. “Sam playing on that line is something we’re looking for from that line.”
Sabres goaltender Robin Lehner is sick and did not practice. His illness could pave the way for Anders Nilsson to make his Sabres regular-season debut against the Philadelphia Flyers Tuesday night.
The lines in practice this morning:
Moulson-O’Reilly-Okposo
Ennis-Reinhart-Girgensons
Foligno-Larsson-Gionta
Deslauriers-Grant-Fasching
Gorges-Ristolainen
Kulikov-Bogosian
McCabe-Franson
Nelson