From the Ice Level Practice Report…
As the Buffalo Sabres look for offense up and down the lineup, head coach Ralph Krueger may try some different line combinations during the team's three-game road trip that starts tomorrow night in Boston.
During Wednesday's practice at KeyBank Center, Jimmy Vesey worked on a line with Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart. Victor Olofsson skated with Casey Mittelstadt and Rasmus Asplund, his old linemate in Rochester. Johan Larsson was back at practice and centered a combination with Zemgus Girgensons and Curtis Lazar. Jeff Skinner, meanwhile played left wing with center Evan Rodrigues and winger Conor Sheary.
All of that, however, could change by the time the Sabres take the ice for their game against the Bruins on Thursday.
Larsson has missed the past three games with an upper-body injury, but is expected to make the trip that includes games against the Bruins, Panthers and Lightning. He's one of five forwards on the injury report, including Marcus Johansson, who could be back with the team this week.
"Still, no firm decisions [have been made]. You saw it in practice today, we haven't confirmed the lineup yet for tomorrow or the lines or if he's going to be a green light," Krueger said. "We're going to make that decision tomorrow."
If Vesey ends up on playing in a game with Eichel and Reinhart in his hometown on Thursday, he's ready for the opportunity.
"It's a good feeling. I said this a little bit in training camp, but getting put up there, it gives you a shot in the arm and a little bit of a boost," he said. "I'm excited, especially going home and trying to have a good game in Boston."
