BUFFALO (LGS) — The Buffalo Sabres would be facing some big problems in net if Patrick Lalime couldn't go tonight. The Sabres got some good news today, as Patrick Lalime is feeling better and will start in net tonight against the Hurricanes.

"When it rains, is starts snowing harder," Lindy Ruff said jokingly after practice Wednesday morning. "We don't want to overplay this; Patrick could be fine by later tonight."

Jhonas Enroth, who was recalled after Ryan Miller suffered a high ankle sprain on Saturday, remains the club's one and only healthy goaltender at the NHL or AHL level.

After Enroth, the Sabres have no current backup plan in place as Adam Dennis is out indefinitely after undergoing hip surgery in January.

"We don't know where we're at right now," Ruff added when asked what the team might do for a backup if Lalime can't play.

The dire goaltendering situation in Portland forced the Pirates to bring in outside players to man the pipes. John DeCaro, who came in from Las Vegas, won all three of his starts for the Pirates before breaking his collarbone. He is out for at least four weeks.