good luck chenker--
from sabres.com
The Buffalo Sabres have never beaten Columbus (2 ? 0 ? 1). Today will be Buffalo?s fourth game in six days.
Buffalo traveled from Edmonton yesterday and arrived here at the hotel in Columbus at 4:45PM. They did not practice yesterday but they did this morning.
?I am a little concerned about the schedule we have had and all the travel we?ve put in,? said Lindy Ruff after this morning?s practice.
Another concern for Lindy will be absence of Miroslav Satan. Against Edmonton Friday night Satan injured his hip.
Satan skated briefly this morning then left the ice shaking his head. ?I can?t push off,? said Miro. ?I just can?t push off.?
Satan will not play. He had played in 252 consecutive games, the fourth longest streak among active NHL players.
?Ales Kotalik will take Miro?s spot with Chris Gratton and Taylor Pyatt,? said Ruff.
Henrik Tallinder, who did not play against Edmonton, might be ready to play tonight. Tallinder injured his shoulder against Calgary.
?Henrik is much better today than yesterday,? said Ruff. ?That?s good news. He?s not one hundred percent but he might be well enough to play. We?ll make that decision later.
Another important Lindy Ruff decision will be his goaltender against Columbus.
Mika Noronen starred in the game against Edmonton stopping 39 of 40 Oiler shots.
?I?ve already made that decision,? Lindy told me. ?Marty will play tonight. We have had great goaltending and Mika made a statement the other night. He sent a message to Marty. It was a difficult decision. But I couldn?t fault Marty on any goals he let in on this trip. He got us a point in Vancouver and Mika got us one in Edmonton.?
