David Bowie wasn't singing about the Buffalo Sabres and their roster shuffling, but there will be some 'ch-ch-ch-changes' Thursday against the Anaheim Ducks.
First things first, Zemgus Girgensons will be out of the lineup with some general soreness. Girgensons has taken a beating these fast few games, so he'll get some much needed rest against the Ducks.
Evander Kane, who scored the game-winning goal on Tuesday in overtime, will be a game time decision on Thursday after hitting the boards hard on the aforementioned play. He skated at practice on Thursday morning and worked with the power play units, but didn't skate in line rushes.
“I felt great," Kane told WGR 550's Paul Hamilton after practice. "Obviously everybody saw the collision at the end of the game there into my favorite wall, so it’s an important part of the season and I felt better than maybe I thought I would.”
Kane is not participating in line rushes. Lines are:
Reinhart-ROR-Okposo
Foligno-Eichel-Ennis
Bailey-ERod-Gionta
Deslauriers-Grant-Moulson— Jourdon LaBarber (@JourdonLaBarber) February 9, 2017
With uncertainty to Kane and Girgensons lingering, the Sabres recalled Derek Grant (yes, that Derek Grant) and Evan Rodrigues from the Rochester Americans.
If Grant plays, this will be his second stint with the Sabres this season after he was signed in the offseason, waived and then reclaimed a month later. In 41 games with the Sabres and Nashville Predators this season Grant has four assists.
For Evan Rodrigues this will also be his second go-around with the Sabres this year after playing two games in November. Rodrigues has played four career games and has a goal and an assist.
The Sabres will have their hands full -- The Ducks have allowed the fewest goals in regulation since Christmas (39).
Robin Lehner will start for the Sabres, while John Gibson will be in net for the Ducks.
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