Nathan Gerbe has had a tough time this season calling HSBC Arena home.

One of the Buffalo Sabres' top prospects, who was also one of the team's final cuts coming

out of training camp, wasn't in town Thursday when the Portland Pirates faced the Rochester

Americans. Gerbe has missed the past four Portland games after being hurt Halloween night in a

3-2 loss to Bridgeport.

The Pirates are being tight-lipped about Gerbe's injury, although it's been reported he's

suffering from concussion-like symptoms. He did not make the trip with the Pirates, which

included a stop Wednesday at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

If Gerbe does indeed have a concussion, it would be his second in less than a year after he

suffered one in early February.

"Nathan's such a big part of our team and a big part of our identity. Our speed and skill

comes from players like Nathan," Pirates coach Kevin Dineen said. "When he's not in there we

lose a whole lot."

Gerbe has three goals and seven assists for 10 points.

. . .

Tyler Ennis, taken 26th overall in the 2008 NHL Draft, came into Thursday's game tied for the AHL rookie lead with six goals. Ennis was taken after the Sabres used the 12th overall pick on Tyler Myers.

. . .

The Pirates' play-by-play announcer is Mark Jeanneret, son of the legendary Rick.

The younger Jeanneret is in his first season with the Pirates. Considering his bloodlines,

it's natural to conclude he could take over his father's job with the Sabres when Rick

retires.

"I don't think my father is retiring any time soon," the younger Jeanneret said. "I've

heard lots of rumors, but I want him to do it for as long as he wants to."

. . .

The Amerks still have a few connections to Buffalo. Captain Rory Fitzpatrick played with the Sabres for parts of four seasons from 2001-02 to 2005-06. Alternate captain Chris Taylor also played parts of four seasons in Buffalo from 1999-00 to

2003-04.

Rochester's senior vice president of hockey operations is former Sabres coach Ted Nolan.