The Buffalo Sabres' roulette wheel of health has finally landed on 19 and 52. Those who had their chips on 61 are out of luck.

The Sabres announced today that captain Craig Rivet will return to the lineup Tuesday when Ottawa visits HSBC Arena. Also, center Tim Connolly is scheduled to come back from his injury this weekend.

Rivet, who wears No. 52, has missed the past 11 games with a sore shoulder. But the strength has reached a point where the team is ready to reinsert the defenseman.

"It's been quite awhile," said Rivet, whose last game was Dec. 10. "We've tried to do everything we can to put me in the position I'm in now, and now it's time to go out and test it and play hard. Play physical, play hard, and we'll see what happens."

Connolly, meanwhile, has played just six of the 39 games because of various ailments. The latest absorbed by No. 19, a broken rib, has sidelined him since Nov. 15. He is scheduled to visit with doctors Tuesday, and they will determine whether Connolly can return Friday when the New York Rangers visit or Saturday when the Sabres go to Detroit.

Right wing Maxim Afinogenov, however, will miss time with a groin injury. No. 61 was hurt during Saturday's win over Boston.

"Max is going to have some further tests today to evaluate," coach Lindy Ruff said. "I don't think it's a short term. It could be a little while."

Defenseman Teppo Numminen missed practice today because of illness. His availability for Tuesday's game will determine whether the Sabres send rookie defenseman Chris Butler back to Portland.