BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The slumping Buffalo Sabres called up rookie Nathan Gerbe from their AHL affiliate on Saturday, hoping to get a spark from the small high-scoring center for their night game at Tampa Bay.
The team's 2005 fifth-round draft pick Gerbe ranks second on Portland with 24 points (14 goals, 10 assists) in 21 games this season. Listed at 5-foot-6 and 160 pounds, he was signed by Buffalo last summer after a solid three-year career at Boston College. He led the nation with 68 points (35 goals, 33 assists) last season, while helping the Eagles win the NCAA championship.
The Sabres, coming off a 2-1 loss at Florida on Thursday, have lost three straight and are 3-9-1 in their past 13 games.
To make room for Gerbe, the Sabres returned Mark Mancari to Portland. The rookie right wing had a goal and assist in seven games with Buffalo.
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