Sharpen Up: March 30, 2017

Rasmus Ristolainen is ready to return from his three-game suspension so the Sabres have made a roster move. Brady Austin is back with the Amerks as Buffalo gets set for their game Sunday afternoon against the Islanders.
Here's what you need to know.

The Sabres return to practice today after a scheduled day off yesterday.
They're coming off a back-to-back set in which they beat Florida at home on Monday and lost to Columbus on the road Tuesday. Their game on Sunday opens up another back-to-back slate (their 18th of a league-high 19 back to backs).
Today, we'll have to see if any other players are close to returning to game action. Both Cody Franson and Taylor Fedun are on the mend. Kyle Okposo missed Tuesday's game due to an illness.

Family Appreciation Day info

Planning on attending Sunday's game? Well we have some fun in store for you.
The Sabres will first hold Family Appreciation Day when the New York Islanders visit KeyBank Center on Sunday, April 2 at 3 p.m. As part of the festivities, there will be a family-focused party in Tops Alumni Plaza beginning at 1 p.m.
Broadcaster Rick Jeanneret will call the game with Rob Ray from the 300 level and an auction through My One Buffalo will allow fans the chance to bid on an in-seat visit from Sabretooth. The final run of the BlueCross BlueShield Live Fearless Frenzy will take place during the first intermission to decide the Sabres 7th Man Award winner.
There will be several special ticketing offers to celebrate the event:
• The Sabres will offer a special $15 discounted ticket for children with the purchase of a regularly priced 300 level ticket, presented by Tops Friendly Markets.
• Family packs with four tickets, four sodas, four hot dogs and four popcorns are available for $199.
• Hat packs featuring two 300 Level II tickets and a Sabres New Era cap can be purchased for $99.
The Sabres Store will also be giving all fans 40 percent off their entire purchase during each of the team's home games in April.

Thank you!

Thanks to everyone who attending the Sabres Alumni Wine Festival last night at KeyBank Center.
We'll have details later today about auction items that will be up for bid at Sabres.com/Auction later today.

Welcome Home

For our out-of-town fans, we love setting up shop in your city for our Sabres Road Crew parties. Over the last few seasons, Delta Air Lines has provided one lucky fan the chance to come back to Buffalo on a round-trip flight and attend a Sabres game in a KeyBank Center suite.
Here's another one of those great stories.

And speaking of returns…

During our annual Corporate Challenge last week, we mic'd up John Scott and followed him around for a while. His team ended up winning their division so it looks like making Scott the first overall pick in the draft panned out.

On tap today

We'll have full practice coverage for you today so be sure to check back later for our written Ice Level Practice Report and our Sabres In :90 video feature.