Drew Stafford's mild concussion makes his status iffy for Saturday night's opener so coach Lindy Ruff tinkered with an interesting top line in practice Wednesday: Derek Roy centering Thomas Vanek and Tim Connolly.

Any look at the Sabres' preseason depth chart has shown Roy and Connolly as the team's top two centers but both can play wing as well.

"Timmy and 'Van' are two great players, fun to play with and smart on the ice," Roy said. "We think alike, all three guys. It really doesn't matter who's at center. At some point, it's whoever gets down low first when you get in the zone and the others then fill their spots."

Ruff noted how Vanek had success playing some stints on right wing Sunday in Toronto, when he scored two goals in Buffalo's 7-6 win.

The coach has always demanded versatility, and was also quick to point out the success Roy had on left wing during the 2006 playoffs.

"My biggest debate is, is it going to be too much skill on one line?" Ruff said. "Is that skill going to work hard to keep getting pucks to the net or will it turn into too much perimeter and not enough inside?"

In addition to the Vanek-Roy-Connolly line and the No.2 tandem of Tim Kennedy between Clarke MacArthur and Jason Pominville, the other lines skating Wednesday were Paul Gaustad between Mike Grier and Jochen Hecht, and Matt Ellis centering Daniel Paille and Patrick Kaleta.

Only the Gaustad line appears set, with the potential returns of Stafford and Adam Mair likely to cause changes in the other combinations when those players return.

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There are tickets remaining for all October games, including about 650 for Saturday's opener. The Sabres will be holding a "Party in the Plaza" Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. in the plaza at Perry and Illinois streets.

It will feature live music with food and drink available for purchase (three-beer limit per person). The party will be held rain or shine and a game ticket is not required for entry.

The team will again auction its "Ultimate Fan Experience at Sabres.com to benefit the Sabres Foundation. Winners get two front-row tickets in Section 111, the chance to watch the warm-ups from the penalty box, a Zamboni ride, recognition on the HD board and the game telecast and the opportunity to attend Ruff's postgame news conference.

Also on Sabres.com, the team will auction four pairs of tickets to each game. They are in Section 116, row 1; Section 123, row 1; Section 111, row 2; and Section 221, row 1.

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Montreal General Manager Bob Gainey said Wednesday that the Canadiens will begin the season without a captain for the first time in their 100-year history when they play their opener Thursday in Toronto before heading to Buffalo.

Gainey said the team will wait before deciding on a replacement for Saku Koivu, who is now in Anaheim. All three alternate captains (Alex Kovalev, Christopher Higgins and Mike Komisarek) are also gone.

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Prior to practice Wednesday, Sabres players were photographed in groups minus their sweaters for the new mural that will adorn the walkway from the parking ramp to the arena.