BUFFALO – Defenseman Andrej Sekera returned to the lineup Wednesday, skating 17:44 in the Sabres’ 3-2 shootout win over the Montreal Canadiens at HSBC Arena. His turnover midway through the game led to a prime Montreal scoring opportunity. He also assisted on Steve Montador’s late tying goal.

Come Friday against the Ottawa Senators, Sekera could be a healthy scratch, and it’s possible neither of those plays could factor in Sabres coach Lindy Ruff’s decision.

For the last four games, Ruff has alternated Sekera and Chris Butler as the sixth defenseman. In the past, Ruff has said he would try to rotate players into the lineup to keep them fresh. Usually, however, injuries or some stellar play quickly nixes his plan. This time he’s been able to stick to it.

“I’ve said I’m just going to alternate,” Ruff said. “I don’t know how long that’ll last. But I’m just going to keep both guys involved. They’re both good players. Andrej came back from the Olympics where he had a real good Olympics. I just feel we got to keep everybody ready.”

Sekera said the rotation beats sitting out regularly.

“That’s the good thing about it,” he said. “You’ll be in the game situation every other game.”

Butler returned last Thursday in Tampa Bay after a six-game benching. He said he wasn’t aware Ruff had started a rotation. But the 23-year-old’s cognizant he must make the most of his opportunities.

sekera has been much better in the second half of the season.. i think he may finally be ready to contribute night in, night out. on the other hand, i wouldnt mind moving butler next season if it means time for mike weber.

Since the Olympic break, Sekera has been really solid. Montador has also really picked it up as of late. He started the season solid, got sloppy there for awhile, and seems to have gotten his groove back now. It really makes me happy to see everyone starting to turn it around towards this last heap of the season.

Since the Olympic break, Sekera has been really solid. Montador has also really picked it up as of late. He started the season solid, got sloppy there for awhile, and seems to have gotten his groove back now. It really makes me happy to see everyone starting to turn it around towards this last heap of the season.

Put Sekara with Myers on the Power Play.

this...
and i also would like to see sekera in there full time instead of the butler

I'm not sure. Sekera seems shaky as of late. The one goal Florida scored against us I can recall him being completely useless in moving Bitz from the front of the net. He didn't seem so hot against Montreal either. But he's still better than Butler.