Habster:

If Michael Ryder can score and show more hustle on the Smolinski line then you’ll see Carbonneau make game time adjustments by placing him back with the Koivu line. Carbonneau has been extremely patience with Ryder’s slump to the point where it’s affecting the line’s production. What Ryder needs is a change of pace and maybe Smolinski/Begin combo can help in that department. Koivu and Higgins play was being affected by Ryder’s slump with both players looking to feed him the puck.

Tomorrow night’s starting lineup against the Buffalo Sabres:

First line: Higgins, Koivu, Kostopoulos

Second line: Plekanek, Kovalev, Kostitsyn

Third line: Begin, Smolinski, Ryder

Fourth line: Latendresse, Chipchura, Dandenault

Defense:

Komisarek/Markov

Hamrlik/Brisebois

Streit/Bouillon

Goaltender: Huet