With Rob Niedermayer out due to minor knee surgery and Tim Connolly injuring himself in practice the Buffalo Sabres have recalled two forwards from Portland. Colin Stuart is getting his first trip to the big club while Luke Adam will be getting his 3rd try this season. Adam is still looking for his 1st NHL point in his 3rd NHL game. Stuart joins the club with 13 points in 51 NHL games.
Drew Stafford is still out of the lineup with an injury, but is close to returning. Jochen Hecht has a minor injury but will likely play on Wednesday. Ryan Miller returned to practice but has been ruled out for Wednesday’s game. Jhonas Enroth was recalled from Portland after being reassigned yestarday.
Chris Butler and Mike Weber are expected to be the healthy scratches on defense. Niedermayer admitted to being injured during the preseason but “tried to play through it.” A video circling around the internet is now showing Lindy Ruff losing it with his Power Play unit, which is now 26th in the league. It is an interesting insight into his heart and passion for the team if you get a chance give it a watch.
Adam will likely be slotted into the top 6 which will probably include the following players: Vanek, Roy, Ennis, Hecht, Pominville, Adam. Gerbe would be the other option. Stuart is more of a lower line player although he has shown glimpses of finesse in the past. The bottom six will contain these players: Gaustad, Grier, Gerbe, Ellis, Kaleta, Stuart, McCormick.