Pens – Sabres Pre Game Buzz: Johnson to start, Niskanen returning to lineup tonight vs Sabres

— Defenseman Matt Niskanen will return to the lineup tonight vs Buffalo Sabres, head coach Dan Bylsma told reporters during today’s Pre game media session.

Niskanen likely to replace Simon Despres in the lineup, was suppose to be held out of the lineup until the weekend and not make the road trip according to Bylsma on Wednesday, but Niskanen made the road trip and is ahead of schedule.

Niskanen should see time with the first power play unit and is expected to play a top-4 role tonight. The Penguins are 4-for-48 in their last 15 games on the power play.

– Goaltender Brent Johnson will get the start in goal. Johnson makes his first start since February 19th when he was pulled against the Buffalo Sabres after giving up 3 goals on 12 shots in a 6-2 loss to Sabres. Winners of five straight, Sabres have outscored their opponents 22-6 in the last five games. Since the Sabres 6-2 victory over Pittsburgh on Feb. 19, Buffalo is on a 14-2-3 run.