Bowen Byram is set to return to the Buffalo Sabres lineup for their preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday. Byram, who suffered an upper-body injury during a game against Detroit last Saturday, has participated fully in the team’s last two practices.
The game will begin at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast locally on MSG and nationally on NHL Network. Fans can also listen to the game on WGR 550 radio.
Radim Mrtka was initially slated to play but will miss the game due to illness. Zach Metsa has been called up to take his place. Rasmus Dahlin is healthy but will not play as he is being given the day off. Michael Kesselring, Owen Power, and Mattias Samuelsson are all out with injuries; however, both Power and Samuelsson could return for the regular-season opener next week.
With several regular defensemen unavailable, prospects Zach Metsa, Ryan Johnson, and Vsevolod Komarov will have an opportunity to play against a full Pittsburgh Penguins NHL lineup.
Alex Lyon will start in goal for Buffalo, as Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen remains sidelined with a lower-body injury and is considered week-to-week. Head coach Lindy Ruff indicated that Lyon is expected to play at least two periods.
The Sabres’ roster for the game includes forwards Justin Danforth, Josh Doan, Mason Geertsen, Tyson Kozak, Peyton Krebs, Jiri Kulich, Beck Malenstyn, Ryan McLeod, Josh Norris, Jack Quinn, Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, and Jason Zucker; defensemen Jacob Bryson, Bowen Byram, Ryan Johnson, Vsevolod Komarov, Zach Metsa, and Conor Timmins; and goaltenders Alex Lyon and Alexandar Georgiev.
“Power and Samuelsson are both on track to potentially play in next week’s regular-season opener,” according to team updates.
The Sabres open their regular season next Thursday.
