Since beginning the season with four straight wins as part of a 6-0-2 start, Buffalo (9-7-3) has gone 1-5-1 and been outscored 21-7 during their current slide.
The Sabres registered a season-high 40 shots against Martin Biron on Friday, but the former Sabre was perfect in leading visiting Philadelphia to a 3-0 victory.
Right wing Mark Mancari, the second-leading scorer in the AHL was recalled from Portland and inserted into the lineup, defenseman Nathan Paetsch played for just the fifth time. Tim Connolly/A. Kotalik are out for the Sabres.
Goaltender Ryan Miller hasn't been sharp lately for Buffalo, allowing 13 goals during a personal three-game losing streak but Lalime could have sat on the ice for all the work he got in the Coliseum game.
NYI Fan Central Comments:
You go into a game like this without Okposo, Nielsen and the speed/skill they bring against a club that will be desperate to come out and take the game at the Islanders who are outmatched in the speed/skill department head to head. A lot is being asked here which is why Friday was so important to set the tone for the roadtrip with a good effort.
Scott Gordon needs the best game from his skaters, it still might not be enough against a club that scored four first period goals against Boston before losing before Friday. Sabres will be more than happy to trade chances given the skill disparity.
Do I even write about the eight goals and Coliseum game? Sabres no doubt will be looking for a big effort and to run the Islanders out of the building while Scott Gordon's players should want to send a message of their own after that memorable loss.
As I write this Nielsen is going to be out for the Sabre game according to Mr Botta Point BlankJeremy Colliton will be recalled.
Maybe, maybe not but it has to be written Trent Hunter just lost his center and the Islanders recalled a player with one AHL goal in eighteen games to take his spot.
You look around this lineup and see Fritz, Jackman, Colliton, Bailey, Tambellini, Park, Hilbert there are seven combined goals for seven players dressing.
No hiding from this for long if at all.
