The Buffalo Sabres take to the ice tonight in New York to face the Islanders and for Sabres defensemen Tyler Myers, his season has already hit rock bottom. That’s because head coach Lindy Ruff announced that Myers will be a healthy scratch this evening.
Obviously, Myers is frustrated.
“I’m embarrassed and I should be,” Myers told reporters. “Two years in a row now, it doesn’t feel very good, but silver lining, I responded the way I needed to last time and that’s what I have to do the second.”
Myers was referring to being a healthy scratch for a game last season. At that time, he bounced back from the benching following an ugly start to the season and started playing well after.
Myers has just one goal this season and has accumulated a minus nine rating, putting him in a three way tie for the worst plus/minus in the entire NHL.
Andrej Sekera will return to the lineup to his spot after missing three games with a foot injury.
Also back in the lineup will be Patrick Kaleta, who’s missed five games since being sent head-first into the boards against Toronto. Matt Ellis and Cody McCormick will be healthy scratches according to Ruff.
Buffalo has split the last 10 meetings with the Islanders down the line, going 4-4-2. This is the first of three games between the clubs this season. They’ll meet again February 23rd in Buffalo.
Both teams have nine points so far this season. Buffalo (4-6-1) defeated Montreal in dramatic fashion Thursday night. New York (4-5-1) is coming off a 4-1 loss to the New York Rangers Thursday.
Maybe the Sabres will play better defensively with Myers watching from the press box. The team has had few problems offensively, scoring 35 goals to place third in the conference, but have been a disaster in their own end of the rink.
Thomas Vanek continues to lead the league with 10 goals and 21 points, placing him ahead of Buffalo-born Patrick Kane, who has 18. Jason Pominville is tied for seventh in the league with 14 points.
John Tavares leads the Islanders with 12 points while Matt Moulson has added 10.
Buffalo will fly home immediately after tonight’s game to square off with Boston Sunday.
