Bogosian set for return against the Panthers

The Buffalo Sabres are in Florida as they get set for this afternoon's game against the Panthers. The time to act is now for Ralph Krueger's men as they have only won one game out of 9 in the month of November. They have faced defeat in their 3 last games and will look for a win to turn things around this afternoon.

Amidst all the turmoil and negativity surrounding the Sabres, fans receive good news today as d-man Zach Bogosian received clearance from Buffalo's medical staff and will return to the lineup for the first time since February. He will play his first game of the season and he will be a welcome addition to the Sabres' defensive unit with his pedigree and experience as a stay-at-home defenseman.

He steps into the lineup in lieu of Henri Jokiharju on the 3rd defensive pair. Bogosian will play alongside Rasmus Dahlin, while Jokiharju is set to be a healthy scratch this afternoon in Florida.

Carter Hutton will be the starting goaltender today. Linus Ullmark will be his backup after starting Thursday's game against the Bruins

Despite the tough loss in Boston, coach Krueger will stick with a very similar lineup to the one that hit the ice on Thursday.

Here is the Sabres' projected lineup for this afternoon's game against the Panthers according to NHL.com correspondent Alain Poupart:

Forwards:

Jimmy Vesey - Jack Eichel - Sam Reinhart

Jeff Skinner - Evan Rodrigues - Conor Sheary

Zemgus Girgensons - Johan Larsson - Curtis Lazar

Victor Olofsson - Casey Mittelstadt - Rasmus Asplund

Defensemen:

Jake McCabe - Rasmus Ristolainen

Colin Miller - Brandon Montour

Rasmus Dahlin - Zach Bogosian

Goaltenders:

Carter Hutton

Linus Ullmark

Marco Scandella and Henri Jokiharju should be today's healthy scratches. Matt Hunwick, Vladimir Sobotka, Tage Thompson, Kyle Okposo and Marcus Johansson are all out with injuries.

In the last game between the Sabres and the Panthers, Buffalo got a 3-2 win victory in the shootout. The Sabres will try for another W against Florida today.

Great Hockey ahead!