PITTSBURGH – If the Buffalo Sabres want to end their shocking three-game goal drought tonight against the Penguins, they must get more big bodies to the net to scrap for a dirty score.
That’s why the Sabres recalled 6-foot-3, 204-pound winger Hudson Fasching from the Rochester Americans this morning.
When you’ve lost three straight games and 10 of the last 11, you must make changes.
“Hudson’s a type of player that can go down there (to the net),” Sabres coach Phil Housley said this afternoon inside PPG Paints Arena. “He’s big, he’s strong.”
After a disappointing training camp – the Sabres sent him down early – Fasching believes he has started showcasing a heavier game in the AHL.
“I’ve been heavier on pucks, I’ve had that extra edge, I get in there and just win battles and win pucks,” Fasching said. “I think that’s kind of the thing that was lacking for me in training camp.”
Fasching, 22, has six goals and nine points in 21 games with the Amerks this season. He has one goal and three points in 17 career NHL contests. He last appeared with the Sabres on March 21.
Check back later for more on Fasching. To make room for him, the Sabres will scratch winger Matt Moulson.
Housley said the Sabres will also switch goalies, starting Chad Johnson for Robin Lehner, who played in Friday’s 4-0 home loss to the Penguins.
Johnson got yanked from his last start Nov. 22 after allowing three goals on 13 shots in the first period of a 5-4 loss to Minnesota.
The Sabres will also dress defenseman Josh Gorges for rookie Victor Antipin, whose first-period gaffe Friday led to a penalty-shot goal.
“Sometimes when you’re not winning, you have to make changes,” Housley said. “We got to keep trying things, trying new partners, giving younger guys opportunities that are waiting on the sidelines.”
He added: “Victor’s game’s been really good. I just thought it’s been slipping the last couple games.”
Update: Penguins rookie goalie Tristan Jarry, who recorded his first NHL shutout Friday, will start again tonight.
