Another Sabres game night and we're still waiting on the first win of the season. Could tonight's game vs. Columbus be the one?
Practice notes:
-Ryan Miller looks to get the start in goal tonight
-Johan Larsson is in, Mikhail Grigorenko is out
-John Scott and Alexander Sulzer appear to be healthy scratches
-Henrik Tallinder was skating during practice, but wearing a no-contact jersey. Rolston says he could return for Saturday's game against Chicago.
We will get to see Marcus Foligno play against Nick Foligno tonight. I have a feeling the Sabres might win this one. They've been playing better and while Columbus isn't such an easy team to beat like they used to be, it's time for a Buffalo win.
I'm not exactly sure what the plan is for Grigorenko. If he's going to be on this team, I'd like to see him playing consistently and with the same players. It does him no good to be in the press box. If Ron Rolston is committed to having him here, prove it. Put him on a line and let him play there for a few games. I can't stand when the lines are always being juggled. I understand at times they need to, but let the players learn how their linemates play and create some chemistry.
Lindy Ruff always would switch up the lines. It needs to stop. Let the players learn and build by playing on the same lines. I'm not sure Grigorenko is ready for the NHL, but he may be stuck here. If he is, he's not going to have a fun year, unless he really steps up his game.
"Right now he just needs to pick up his urgency in his game. There hasn't been a lot of urgency to it." - Ron Rolston
Notes:
-As the Sabres tweeted, Buffalo played its first game in franchise history on this day in 1970. It was a 2-1 victory over Pittsburgh.
-The Sabres haven’t lost to the Blue Jackets at home since November 14th, 2008. However, they haven't played them that many times since then.
Check this one out:
-Columbus is 16-11-5 all-time on dates upon which the number of the month matches the number of the day (3-0-0 last season: 4-2 vs. DET on 2/2, 2-1 OT vs. COL on 3/3, 3-1 at NSH on 4/4)
That is the most random stat I've seen in a while. I don't know who came up with that, but it's irrelevant to me. I love stats, but that is one that baffles me a bit. I'm not sure the Blue Jackets are more pumped up tonight because it's 10-10-2013. And the way I look at it, a 16-11-5 record is .500.
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