TAMPA, Fla. - The door to the rink opened and the Buffalo Sabres who were already on the ice began tapping their sticks with welcomed excitement. Nathan Gerbe was officially joining the Buffalo Sabres.

The Sabres recalled Gerbe from Portland overnight and the rookie forward joined his teammates on the ice at today's morning skate.

Gerbe will make his NHL debut tonight when the Sabres visit Tampa Bay in the St. Pete Times Forum (7:30, MSG).

The Sabres are hoping Gerbe's arrival will spark a team that is just 2-8 in the past 10 games. In 21 games in Portland of the AHL, Gerbe had 14 goals and 10 assists for 24 points. Seven of those goals were on the power play.

To make room for Gerbe, the Sabres sent Mark Mancari back to Portland.