Johnson to start in net as Sabres host new-look Bruins

While trade deadline dominos continue to fall around the NHL, the Buffalo Sabres are looking to keep their focus on the task at hand with the Boston Bruins in town on Sunday. Evander Kane will be a healthy scratch for the second-straight game, while Chad Johnson will start in net.
The decision to start Johnson over Robin Lehner was not related to trade discussions, according to Sabres coach Phil Housley. Johnson made 25 saves in a win over Boston on Feb. 13, while Lehner started Buffalo's 5-1 loss in Washington on Saturday night.

"I think the guys are going to regroup here," Housley said. "They know the effort last night - especially in our D-zone - we weren't aggressive down there, we were letting the other team cycle and get zone time on us. We're going to focus on being more aggressive in our D-zone, closing quicker.
"That's what we can control, is how we prepare for this game."

Justin Falk, a healthy scratch the past two games, will enter the lineup on defense in place of Josh Gorges. The rest of the lineup will remain the same from Saturday.
Boston made two splashes on Sunday, first with the acquisition of forward Rick Nash from the New York Rangers and later with the signing of former Sabres captain Brian Gionta. Nash, who has 18 goals and 10 assists in 60 games this season, will make his Bruins debut in Buffalo. Gionta will not play.
The Bruins sent forwards Ryan Spooner and Matt Beleskey, defenseman Ryan Lindgren and two draft picks to New York in exchange for Nash.
"It certainly adds depth to their forward lines," Housley said of the Nash deal. "They'll probably be able to spark him, being in a position to be in the playoffs right now down the stretch."
The Sabres will have an opportunity to win their season series against the Bruins, with a 2-1-0 record in three prior matchups.
Coverage on MSG-B begins at 4:30 p.m. with the GMC Game Night Pregame Show, or you can listen live on WGR 550. Puck drop is scheduled for 5.