BUFFALO – The struggling Sabres shook up their lineup for tonight’s game against the Ottawa Senators by scratching defensemen Henri Jokiharju and Mattias Samuelsson.
Both players participated in the team’s optional morning skate in KeyBank Center and are believed to be healthy.
This marks the second straight game coach Lindy Ruff, whose Sabres have a three-game losing streak, has scratched at least one regular defenseman. He benched Connor Clifton for Saturday’s 2-1 road loss to the Detroit Red Wings and inserted Jacob Bryson.
Ruff has been on his players to raise their standards.
Samuelsson, an alternate captain, has battled injuries over the last year and struggled during his healthy stints
With Jokiharju and Samuelsson out, Clifton and defenseman Dennis Gilbert, who has played just one game this season, moved in.