Johan Larsson has played two games this season. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Mikhail Grigorenko to sit tonight for Johan Larsson

BUFFALO – As expected, the Sabres will scratch 19-year-old center Mikhail Grigorenko tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Rookie Johan Larsson, a scratch Tuesday, will pivot Zemgus Girgensons and Brian Flynn inside the First Niagara Center.

Grigorenko, one of 17 pointless Sabres, hasn’t showcased the competitiveness coach Ron Rolston wants to see.

“He’s got to continue consistency of his compete and his details away from the puck and then, offensively, some confidence there,” said Rolston, whose 0-3-1 Sabres have just four goals.

Larsson has seen limited ice during two appearances – just 6:55 and 9:09 – but feels he “played pretty good.”

“It’s the small details away from the puck and positioning and everything like that,” Larsson said. “But it’s coming more and more and more, I think.”

In other lineup news, Cody McCormick will replace John Scott tonight up front. Ryan Miller will start in goal after a mild groin injured sidelined him twice.

Meanwhile, defenseman Henrik Tallinder (upper body) skated with his teammates this morning in a non-contact role. The Swede will miss his third straight game tonight.

Tallinder said an Ottawa player hit him “right into the boards” Friday.

“It didn’t feel good,” he said. “I felt it right away.”

Tallinder hopes he can play Saturday or Monday.

In other injury news, wingers Joel Armia (broken hand) and Corey Tropp (broken jaw) now have “stalls” – a black plastic chair – beside defenseman Nikita Zadorov in the team’s dressing room.

Armia’s a “ways away,” Rolston said. Tropp just started skating after breaking his jaw in a Sept. 22 fight.

Related: Sabres prospect Mikhail Grigorenko could become healthy scratch again

One thought on “Sabres’ Mikhail Grigorenko to sit tonight for Johan Larsson”

  1. Young teams will always shuffle players around until they can get something rolling. This club is just so raw it will probably happen all year long. Go Buffalo!

    ml

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