Game 2, Berlin, Germany: 11 AM PST
Since we last met the Buffalo Sabres…
IN: New owner Terry Pegula, rocketing in from Planet Moolah, has spared no expense to improve his team; this welcome change thrilled Sabres fans everywhere. Under the Pegulabuck regime, the Sabres acquired hard-hitting Robyn Regehr from the Flames, and made German scoring threat Christian Ehrhoff a $10 million dollar man (this year, at least). The free agent frenzy continued with Ville Leino, now playing center (the position he played before breaking in as a winger in the NHL). Luke Adam and Marc-Andre Gragnani played a handful of games with the club last year, and are hoping to stick.
OUT: Tim Connolly, Chris Butler, prospect Paul Byron
INJURED: Jochen Hecht (concussion symptoms)
AHL’D: Ales Kotalik, Shaone “Extra letters” Morrisonn
Probable Sabres Lineup:
Vanek-Adam-Pominville
Gerbe-Roy-Stafford
Ennis-Leino-Boyes
McCormick-Gaustad-Kaleta
Regehr-Myers
Leopold-Ehrhoff
Sekera-Gragnani
In net: Ryan Miller may appear again, though this has not been confirmed. Jhonas Enroth is the backup.
Further Reading: Die By the Blade
Kings Lineup: Kevin Westgarth will replace Trent Hunter, who struggled after the first; Jonathan Bernier will get the start. Dustin Penner is still injured (did you catch that, Versus?), so Scott Parse can bless the hockey angels that preserve him.
Game Outlook: Though the Kings finally capitalized on a golden 4-on-3 power play opportunity to earn a victory over the Rangers yesterday, it is evident that they are still working out the kinks. Meanwhile, the Sabres rolled to an impressive 4-1 victory over the Ducks.
The Sabres had a potent offense last year – 5th in goals scored at even strength, top ten in scoring overall – and with their new additions, seem poised to continue that trend. Luke Adam (2A), Thomas Vanek (2G, 1A), and new captain Jason Pominville (1 G, 2A) were the most dynamic line on the ice against the Ducks. Teams with speed and strong 2-3rd lines tend to give the Kings trouble, so I expect Buffalo to pose a stiff test.
Work it out auf Deutsch!