Columbus Blue Jackets VS Buffalo Sabres – Pre-Game Report
By Mark Huss
After what seems like a whole offseason has gone by, the Columbus Blue Jackets will take to the ice and face-off against the Buffalo Sabres tonight. The game will be played at First Niagara Center in Buffalo, NY. The Sabres come into this contest with only taking away one point from a possible eight points during their first four games.
The Blue Jackets have gained two points in the standings from a possible four points while playing their first two games. This will be the first match-up of the season between these two teams, but they will also meet two more times, one more in Buffalo, and the final meeting in Columbus – both not until 2014 though.
Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
The Sabres earned their first point against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night. They had a 2-1 lead going into the third period, but a power play goal from the Lightning tied up the game and forced overtime. Tampa Bay then went on to win the game in the overtime period, the game winning goal was scored by Alexander Killorn.
The Blue Jackets come into this game with four days of rest. They took on the New York Islanders this past weekend on Saturday night and won in a shootout. A dramatic comeback in the third period led by a power play tally from Mark Letestu, and a goal from Nick Foligno – via a strong play from R.J. Umberger, which took the game to overtime. Cam Atkinson eventually won the game in the shootout for Columbus, which gave them their first win of the season.
Jared Boll returns to the line-up tonight for the Blue Jackets, Boone Jenner will be the odd man out and will be a healthy scratch. Also, Tim Erixon remains a healthy scratch for the defense. Fedor Tyutin remains out of the line-up for now, but he may be ready to go for Saturday’s afternoon game against the Boston Bruins.
Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Miller, who was nursing an injury since a loss against the Ottawa Senators on October 4th, will get the start tonight. Sergei Bobrovsky will get his third start in a row for the Blue Jackets, which is no surprise. Both goaltenders have won the Vezina Trophy in their career, so fans will hopefully see a great display of goaltending tonight.
Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm, and you can tune into Fox Sports Ohio for live game coverage. Check back later tonight for a post game recap and reaction. We will also be sharing our three stars of the game for the Blue Jackets.
GO JACKETS!!!!!!