Sabres will have Moulson in lineup against Stars

Monday, 10.28.2013 / 1:53 PM

By Joe Yerdon - NHL.com Correspondent / 2013-2014 At the Rink Blog

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BUFFALO -- The Buffalo Sabres and Dallas Stars each have plenty of drama going on off the ice, but on it there's still a game to be played Monday night.

For the Sabres, newly acquired Matt Moulson was on the ice for the morning skate and will make his debut against the Stars.

"I think that was important that we got somebody that could come in and help us," Sabres coach Ron Rolston said. "When you lose Thomas [Vanek] it's good to get somebody back in the room that has that presence."

Rolston said he anticipates Moulson will take Vanek's spot on their top line with Cody Hodgson at center.

"Matt Moulson's got a heck of a resume the last four years putting up major, major numbers," said newly named Sabres full-time captain Steve Ott. "He's definitely going to help this squad as well."

Ryan Miller was the first goalie off and will likely get the start.

For the Stars, Erik Cole skated on the top line with Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn. Rich Peverley was moved to the third line with Shawn Horcoff and Valeri Nichushkin. Kari Lehtonen was the first goalie off and will likely start.

Coach Lindy Ruff, making his first appearance back in Buffalo after being fired by the team last season, mixed up his defensive pairs throughout the skate. Only Kevin Connauton stayed out late and will likely be scratched.

As for the lines, here's what they may look like:

SABRES

Matt Moulson – Cody Hodgson – Brian Flynn

Steve Ott – Marcus Foligno – Mikhail Grigorenko

Zemgus Girgensons – Johan Larsson – Tyler Ennis

Ville Leino – Cody McCormick – Drew Stafford

Tyler Myers – Nikita Zadorov

Christian Ehrhoff – Mark Pysyk

Rasmus Ristolainen – Henrik Tallinder

Ryan Miller

Jhonas Enroth

Scratched: Jamie McBain, Patrick Kaleta (suspended), John Scott (suspended)