BUFFALO – It appears veteran goalie James Reimer, who did not participate in the Sabres’ optional skate this morning, will start tonight’s game against the Detroit Red Wings, one of his former teams.
No. 1 goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen skated this morning and also stayed on the ice for extra work following Sunday’s practice.
“I’m not announcing the goalie today,” coach Lindy Ruff, whose Sabres have lost six straight games (0-4-2), said this morning in KeyBank Center.
Reimer, 36, has played well since the Sabres reclaimed him on waivers, compiling a 1-1-0 record with a 2.05 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage in two games. He started his last game Nov. 30.
In other news, Ruff said winger Jordan Greenway will likely return from a mid-body injury that has sidelined him for 10 games.
“As long as everything went well, there’s an opportunity for him to play,” he said.
Greenway’s return would forced the Sabres to scratch a forward. In Sunday’s practice, struggling winger JJ Peterka shared reps, a sign he could be the odd man out tonight.
Update: Peterka is in the lineup. Rookie center Jiri Kulich is scratched.
Ruff said the Sabres have other lineup decisions to make at game time.
In other news, Ruff said captain Rasmus Dahlin, the Sabres’ top defenseman, had a rehab skate this morning. The Swede has missed the last two games after suffering back spasms Tuesday.
Ruff said Dahlin could be ready to play this weekend.
“He got a little work today,” he said. “Talked to him post-workout, and he said he’s feeling pretty good. So hopeful that we can get him back.”
GM Adams is s joke.
Blaming the city, taxes, and the climate for his failures is pathetic.
Adams is the one who drafted a bunch of Smurfs year in & year out.
Zucker has been great. He has a passion for the game.
Malenstyn brings it every night. Great on the forecheck.
I haven’t seen much yet from Lafferty, but he hasn’t been horrible.
Jokiharju for 1 season @ 5 million was horrible. He never hits or moves anyone.
Ryan Johnson should be in there every night over Jokiharju.
Quinn has been horrible this year.
Cozens has been blah… so-so.
Power is mediocre at best… a bust if you consider he was the #1 pick overall.
Adams has whiffed more than he’s hit in the draft.
Kulich is the real deal. He will be a 30-40 goal scorer.
Bowen for Middelstadt was a win-win for both teams.
The Eichel trade is up for debate. I’ve seen improvement from Krebs this year, and Tuch is one of our best players and a team leader.
All in All, Adams needs to look in the mirror.
Our team is too soft and undersized overall.
Go out and trade Quinn for JT Miller. Make it happen. Im ready to turn the page on Quinn.