Happy Columbus Day and Thanksgiving for my Canadian friends. A rare afternoon appearance takes us to the Island against the 1 – 1 team in NY. Luckily for the Sabres, the Isle best player, Rick Dipi, looks to be out for a few more, and the Sabres have a chance to light the lamp on a backup. On the Sabres injury list, of course, is perennial china doll (and former Islander) Tim Connolly.

In the Sabres first game of the season they looked very good against Eastern conference favorite Montreal. The game turned into a defensive struggle after both teams potted goals in the first period. The Sabres PP was a dismal 0 – 6, but the PK was an impressive 5 – 5. I must say though that Montreal’s one goal was a total defensive breakdown by Henrik Tallinder. He simply left the front of the net while a Canadien’s forward was sitting in front of Ryan Miller. Other than this lapse, the defense was solid against one of the best offenses of last season.

Edit: Patrick Lalime will get the start in the pipes this afternoon. Ryan Miller is fine, but Lindy Ruff wants Lalime to play.

The forwards did get chances in the first game, but no one with the exception of Thomas Vanek was able to bury anything. It was certainly nice to see Vanek carry the team early in the season. Perhaps he’ll earn his huge paycheck this season.

Sabres 5 – Islanders 3