Ellis (concussion) will return and be backup netminder on Saturday in Columbus.
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Buffalo Sabres News
Goalie Start
Luukkonen will start in Columbus on Saturday.
Villalta has been assigned to Tucson (AHL) on Thursday.
With Karel Vejmelka (upper body) activated from Injured Reserve, Utah has assigned Villalta to the Tucson Roadrunners (AHL). The 26-year-old Villalta has a 2.94 GAA and .903 SV% in 15 games with Tucson this season (9-5-1).
Sheary (lower-body) has been placed on LTIR.
Sheary suffered a lower-body injury in Wednesday's game against the Washington Capitals and did not return. He will be sidelined for at least a month after being placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve. The 33-year-old Sheary is averaging 14:48 time-on-ice and has nine points (1G / 8A) in 36 games this season.
Goalie Start
Luukkonen will start in Dallas on Wednesday.
With Alex Lyon currently sidelined due to an injury, the Sabres will rely on Luukkonen on Wednesday against the Dallas Stars. The 26-year-old goalie was solid in his most recent game, saving 22 of 23 shots (.957 SV%) in a 4-1 win over the Boston Bruins. He has a 2.58 GAA and .897 SV% in 12 games this season (6-5-1). The Sabres are riding a nine-game winning streak and enter Wednesday's contest as +131 road underdogs against a Stars team with points in four straight (4-0-2).
Sheary (lower-body) left Wednesday's game vs. Washington and will not return.
Sheary suffered a lower-body injury in Wednesday's game against the Washington Capitals and will not return. The 33-year-old Sheary is averaging 14:48 time-on-ice and has nine points (1G / 8A) in 36 games this season.
Lyon (lower-body) has returned to Buffalo for further evaluation.
Lyon has been excellent for the Sabres lately, leading them on their current nine-game winning streak, but his status is uncertain moving forward after suffering a lower-body injury. Head Coach Lindy Ruff stated they are still waiting for more information regarding the injury. If Lyon misses any time, expect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to see the majority of the action between the pipes.
Lyon (lower-body) left Monday's game vs. St. Louis and is being evaluated.
Lyon has been excellent for the Sabres lately, leading them on their current nine-game winning streak, but his status is uncertain moving forward after suffering a lower-body injury. Head Coach Lindy Ruff stated they are still waiting for more information regarding the injury. If Lyon misses any time, expect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to see the majority of the action between the pipes.
Goalie Start
Lyon will start in St. Louis on Monday.
The Sabres have been outstanding lately, riding a season-best eight-game winning streak, and will turn to Lyon to tend the twine on Monday against the St. Louis Blues. The 33-year-old Lyon has been terrific over the past two weeks, posting a 2.00 GAA and .930 SV% in five games (5-0-0). He has a 2.87 GAA and .907 SV% in 20 games this season (9-6-3). The Sabres enter the action on Monday as slight -110 road favorites against a Blues team that has points in four of their last five games (3-1-1). Source: Rachel Len
Carrick (illness) will play in Carolina on Monday.
Carrick was absent from practice on Sunday due to an illness and but will play on Monday against the Carolina Hurricanes. The 33-year-old Carrick has played all 40 games this season, averaging 10:42 time-on-ice and scoring six points (1G / 5A).
Goalie Start
Lyon is in the starter's crease at Buffalo's morning skate.
The Sabres have been outstanding lately, riding a season-best eight-game winning streak, and will likely turn to Lyon to tend the twine on Monday against the St. Louis Blues. The 33-year-old Lyon has been terrific over the past two weeks, posting a 2.00 GAA and .930 SV% in five games (5-0-0). He has a 2.87 GAA and .907 SV% in 20 games this season (9-6-3). The Sabres enter the action on Monday as slight -110 road favorites against a Blues team that has points in four of their last five games (3-1-1).
Dahlin (personal) is expected to return in St. Louis on Monday.
Line Change
Sheary is expected to draw back into New York's lineup in Carolina on Monday.
Brennan Othmann will be a healthy scratch on Monday, allowing Sheary to re-enter the lineup against the Carolina Hurricanes. The 33-year-old Sheary is averaging 14:47 time-on-ice and has nine points (1G / 8A) in 35 games this season.
Villalta has been recalled from Tucson (AHL).
With Karel Vejmelka (upper body) on Injured Reserve, Utah has recalled Villalta from the Tucson Roadrunners (AHL). The 26-year-old Villalta has a 2.94 GAA and .903 SV% in 15 games with Tucson this season (9-5-1).
Carrick (illness) is a game-time decision in Carolina on Monday.
Carrick was absent from practice on Sunday due to an illness and will be a game-time decision on Monday against the Carolina Hurricanes. The 33-year-old Carrick has played all 40 games this season, averaging 10:42 time-on-ice and scoring six points (1G / 5A).
Gilbert has been loaned to Belleville (AHL).
Carrick (illness) did not practice on Sunday.
Goalie Start
Luukkonen will start Saturday vs. the Bruins.
Luukkonen stopped 26 of 27 shots in the Sabres' win in New Jersey last Sunday. It was a great outing for Luukkonen, who had struggled in his two previous starts. Tonight he'll face the Bruins in Buffalo, where he has excelled this season. UPL has gone 4-1-0 with a 1.97 GAA and .921 SV% in five home games. The Sabres are -130 home favourites.
Dahlin (personal) will not play Saturday vs. the Bruins.
Dahlin returned to Sweden to be with his fiancée, who recently underwent a heart transplant, during the Christmas break, and did not make it back in time for Saturday's game. Expect him to play Monday in St. Louis.
The Senators have recalled Dennis Gilbert from Belleville (AHL).
Gilbert has played in just one game with the Senators since being acquired from the Flyers in mid-November. He's spent most of his time with Belleville, where he has five assists in seven games.