Former first-rounder Rosen has 20 goals with AHL Rochester
The Buffalo Sabres begin a stretch of three games in four nights to finish off the pre-Olympic schedule against the two-time Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers on Tuesday. The Panthers have not been the same club this season, based on the loss of team captain Aleksander Barkov and winger Matthew Tkachuk, but Tkachuk has returned in advance of the games in Milano Cortina.
The contest is critical for both clubs, but more so for the Panthers, who trail Buffalo by eight points for the final Eastern Conference wild card spot. Former Panther Alex Lyon will make his third straight start, and backup Colten Ellis with be in goal for the second of back-to-back games in Tampa on Tuesday.
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The Sabres made a roster move on Sunday, demoting defenseman Zac Jones and recalling winger Isak Rosen. Blueliner Jacob Bryson skated over the weekend and has been activated from injured reserve. Rosen, who has an impressive 20 goals in 28 games with AHL Rochester, has contributed at the NHL level playing higher in the lineup, with seven points (3 goals, 4 assists) in 13 games.
Head coach Lindy Ruff provided updates on goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and center Josh Norris, and indicated both players are making progress. Luukkonen suffered a leg injury in Toronto last Tuesday and is slated to be the third goalie for Finland in Italy later this month, unless his injury prevents him. Norris suffered a rib injury against Philadelphia last month and indicated that he is close to being 100%, but with only three games this week, opting to be cautious may be the better course of action.
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