Sabres conclude preseason against the Islanders in Oshawa

OSHAWA, Ont. -While they won't have their full lineup on hand, there will be plenty on the line when the Buffalo Sabres meet the New York Islanders for their preseason finale at Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa on Friday.
The lineup - which you can view in detail here- will feature a mix of veterans and prospects who are still competing to solidify their roles on the NHL roster.

"There's a reason why guys are playing," Sabres coach Phil Housley said following practice on Thursday. "The veterans continue to get caught up to speed and give them that one extra game. But there are some evaluations going on."

Forwards Jack Eichel, Johan Larsson and Conor Sheary and defensemen Zach Bogosian, Rasmus Ristolainen, Marco Scandella and Brandon Hickey will be absent from the lineup after missing Thursday's practice. Housley said that the players are resting for precautionary reasons.
"They've got some minor ailments," he said. "They're all day-to-day."
The absence of players like Eichel and Ristolainen could create opportunity for young players looking to make a final push at the roster spot. The Sabres have 32 players remaining on their training camp roster, a group that will have to be cut down to 23 by Tuesday at 5 p.m.
The list of notable young players on Tuesday's roster includes Alex Nylander, Casey Mittelstadt and Tage Thompson at forward and Rasmus Dahlin, Brendan Guhle, Casey Nelson and Lawrence Pilut on defense.
Carter Hutton is expected to start in net for the Sabres. Former Sabre Robin Lehner will start for the Islanders and is expected to split the contest with Thomas Greiss.
Tonight's game can be heard live on WGR 550, with puck drop set for 7 p.m.