Paille and Kotalik Lift Sabres in Return

Returning from long term injuries Ales Kotalik and Dan Paille both scored in buffalo's 4-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils Wednesday night. Paille scored on the rebound of an Adam Mair shot to put Buffalo ahead 2-1. Kotalik scored what proved to be the winning goal with a wicked one timer on a feed from Danius Zubrus. Paille was teamed with Adam Mair and Andrew Peters while Kotlaik was teamed with Chris Drury and Zubrus.

The Sabres started out a bit roughly turning over the puck numerous times early. Fortunately, they settled down and played their best game in a few weeks showing a solid work ethic and penalty killing work. Ryan Miller outplayed Martin Broduer to secure the victory. It was especially important as it was Miller's first game since blasting the team for it's poor effort in the local paper. Buffalo's next game is against the New York Islanders on Friday.

Injury Update:

Toni Lydman - His upper body injury is progressing and he should play this weekend. It seems likely that Nathan Paetsch will either move to the press box or right wing when Lydman returns.

Tim Connolly - He is skating with the team and it appears he could play in the last few games of the season against Washington and Philadelphia.

Maxim Afinigenov - He is scheduled for an x-ray on his wrist. If all is clear it is hopeful he can start using a stick again. It seems likely he will not be ready until at least the middle of the first round of the playoffs.