Sabres Game 3 Lineup: Norris Out, Ostlund In vs. Bruins

The Buffalo Sabres hit the road tonight for a pivotal Game 3 against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. With the series tied 1-1, the Atlantic Division champions are looking to reclaim the momentum they established early in the playoffs.

However, the Sabres will have to do it without a key piece down the middle.

Morning Skate Updates: Roster Shuffle

The biggest news out of Thursday’s morning skate involves the forward group. Head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed that Josh Norris is unavailable for tonight’s contest due to an injury. Ruff stated that Norris is currently considered day-to-day.

Consequently, Noah Ostlund will draw into the lineup to take Norris’s spot on the third line. Despite recently dealing with an upper-body injury, Ostlund was in high spirits following the morning session. He told reporters he feels great and is eager to jump right into the playoff intensity.

Additionally, we are seeing a tweak on the fourth line. Tyson Kozak will slide in to replace Josh Dunne, bringing a fresh set of legs to the bottom six.

In the crease, Alex Lyon was the first goaltender off the ice, confirming he will take the starter’s net tonight.

Projected Game 3 Lineup

Based on the morning skate, here is how the Sabres will line up against the Bruins:

Peyton Krebs – Tage Thompson – Alex Tuch
Jason Zucker – Ryan McLeod – Jack Quinn
Zach Benson – Noah Ostlund – Josh Doan
Jordan Greenway – Tyson Kozak – Beck Malenstyn

Rasmus Dahlin – Mattias Samuelsson
Owen Power – Bowen Byram
Logan Stanley – Conor Timmins

Power Play Unit 1: Netfront: Jason Zucker Bumper/Flanks: Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, Jack Quinn Point: Rasmus Dahlin

Power Play Unit 2: Netfront: Josh Doan Bumper/Flanks: Noah Ostlund, Zach Benson, Ryan McLeod Point: Bowen Byram

Road Warriors Look to Strike

Buffalo should feel confident heading into hostile territory. The Sabres played to a brilliant 24-13-4 road record during the regular season. In fact, their 24 road victories tied for the second-most among all NHL teams.

A massive part of that road success came from tonight’s starter. Alex Lyon recorded an 11-game road point streak (10-0-1) from December 9 to March 22, the longest ever by a Buffalo goaltender. Similarly, Rasmus Dahlin dominated away from KeyBank Center, registering 40 road points to tie for the fourth-most among all NHL defensemen.

Milestone Watch

Keep an eye on the top line tonight, as several Sabres are chasing playoff history.

Tage Thompson is looking to continue his dominant season. With a point tonight, he would become the first Sabres forward since Jason Pominville in 2006 to record four or more points in the first three playoff games of his career.

Meanwhile, Alex Tuch and Peyton Krebs are also riding hot streaks. Tuch posted at least one point in Games 1 and 2. Therefore, a point tonight gives him the first three-game playoff point streak by a Sabres skater since Tyler Myers in 2011. Krebs is also looking for the same achievement after putting up three points (1+2) over his first two playoff appearances.

How to Watch Game 3

Puck Drop: 7:00 P.M. EST at TD Garden TV (Local): MSG (Pregame and postgame shows are streaming on the Buffalo Sabres App) Streaming (Local): Gotham Sports App / Fubo TV TV (National): TNT, truTV Streaming (National): HBO Max Radio: WGR 550 / Buffalo Sabres App

If you are staying in Western New York, fans are officially invited to Stir Bar at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino for the Game 3 watch party. The event features appearances from Sabretooth, Sabres alumni, giveaways, and food and drink specials.