BUFFALO – With star defenseman Tyler Myers banished three games for hitting Montreal’s Scott Gomez into the boards from behind, the Sabres went 1-0-2, earning four of a possible six points.
Now, with his full fleet of defensemen back for tonight’s tilt against the Montreal Canadiens at the First Niagara Center, what does Sabres coach Lindy Ruff do?
“I really think we’re going to keep all seven going,” Ruff said Tuesday.
What does that mean? Ruff didn’t elaborate, although he could dress all seven or start rotating one in and out.
“It’s a great situation for us to be in,” Ruff said. “We would’ve begged to be in this situation a few months ago. For me, it’s tough, but the way the seven guys have played we’re going to need them all.”
In an odd scheduling quirk, Myers will immediately face the team he earned his suspension against.
The hit concussed Gomez, and he’s likely finished for the season. The Canadiens could want some retribution.
“I’m going to approach (tonight) like any other game,” Myers said. “It’s in the past. I didn’t mean to hurt him. It’s not my intention to go in looking to kill a guy. What happens happens.”
The Sabres have returned rookie defenseman Brayden McNabb to Rochester.
