With Jack St. Ivany (lower body) and Brett Kulak (trade) making their Pittsburgh season debut's, Connor Clifton and Ryan Graves will head to the sidelines as healthy scratches. The 30-year-old Clifton has zero points through 14 games, but is more known for his physical contributions, as evident by his 57 hits.
Matt Dumba will be a healthy scratch on Tuesday against the Anaheim Ducks, allowing Clifton to re-enter the lineup. The 30-year-old Clifton is averaging 17:06 time-on-ice, recording 20 blocks and 41 hits in 10 games this season.
Clifton has been limited to only three games this season, last playing on October 25th, and will return to the lineup on Thursday against the Washington Capitals. The 30-year-old defenseman is averaging 17:34 time-on-ice, recording zero points, nine blocks, and 16 hits.
Clifton will slot in for Harrison Brunicke, who is being rested on Tuesday. Clifton appeared in 73 games with the Sabres last season, tallying one goal and 15 assists.
Clifton is battling an illness and will be sidelined for a third straight game on Friday against the Nashville Predators. The 29-year-old Clifton is averaging 15:15 time-on-ice and has eight points (0G / 8A) in 46 games this season.
Clifton did not play on Sunday but will re-enter the lineup on Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens. The 29-year-old Clifton is averaging 15:45 time-on-ice, recording six points (0G / 6A), 47 blocks, and 88 hits in 29 games this season.
Clifton and Dennis Gilbert were surprise additions to Buffalo's lineup on Tuesday, with their additions not being announced prior to warmups. Mattias Samuelsson and Henri Jokiharju will both be healthy scratches in their place.
Clifton was suspended for two games for an illegal check to the head of Nico Hiscier on October 27th. Clifton skated alongside Erik Johnson on the third pair in Thursday's practice, which is where he will likely suit up when he returns to the lineup on Friday vs. the Flyers. Prior to the suspension, Clifton had one assist, a minus-6 rating, 12 SOG and 23 hits in eight games.
Clifton was suspended for two games for an illegal check to the head of Nico Hiscier on October 27th. Clifton skated alongside Erik Johnson on the third pair in Thursday's practice, indicating that he'll be back in the lineup on Friday vs. the Flyers. Prior to the suspension, Clifton had one assist, a minus-6 rating, 12 SOG and 23 hits in eight games.
Clifton delivered an illegal check to the head of Nico Hischier of the New Jersey Devils in the Sabres' 5-4 loss on Friday night. He received a match penalty on the play and has subsequently been suspended for two games. Hischier was forced to leave the game for the Devils and has already been ruled out for their next contest on Sunday. In eight games this season, Clifton has one point (0G / 1A) and has racked up 28 penalty minutes along with a -6 plus/minus rating.
Clifton spent the first five seasons of his NHL career in Boston, tallying 43 points (10G / 33A) across 232 games. The 2023 season was his best to-date, posting 23 points (3G / 18A) with 120 blocked shots and 208 hits in 78 games. He brings a hard-nosed style to the Sabres' blueline and should fit well on their second pairing, potentially as a partner to up-and-comer Owen Power.
Clifton has been a healthy scratch since Game 2 but will draw back into the Bruins' lineup for Matt Grzelyck for Game 6. The 28-year-old has yet to pickup a playoff point this year but has four SOG, and a -1 plus/minus through two games so far.
