Sabres look to play spoiler in Detroit

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The Buffalo Sabres (21-46-9) head into Detroit to take on the Wild Card-leading Red Wings (36-26-14), looking to play playoff spoiler.

Buffalo, coming off a 2-1 loss last night, enters tonight’s game with an even more depleted lineup.

Head Coach Ted Nolan spoke after last night’s game, and confirmed Drew Stafford’s status entering Friday night was still uncertain. Nolan also said that Marcus Foligno, who suffered an injury early in the game, would likely be lost for the season. 

If Stafford cannot play for a second straight night, with an undisclosed injury, the Sabres are expected to call-up a forward from the Rochester Americans (AHL). 

On the flip side, an injury-plagued Detroit squad will be getting back a very important piece, just in time for the playoff push. Forward Pavel Datsyuk will return to the Red Wings’ lineup after missing the past 16 games, with a left knee injury, hoping to push Detroit to their 23rd consecutive playoff appearance. 

In goal, the Sabres are expected to start Matt Hackett with a record of 1-2-1, while the Red Wings will likely go with Jimmy Howard, who has a 19-18-11 record.

Puck drops shortly after 7:30 PM, from the Joe Louis Arena. The game will be broadcast on MSG. 

Ryan Wolfe
Ryan Wolfehttp://www.sabreshockeycentral.com
Administrator/Writer at Sabres Hockey Central.
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