Toni Lydman (Photo: Getty Images)

11/20- Toni Lydman Interview

11/20- Lindy Ruff Interview

After missing 11 games with a groin injury, Buffalo Sabres defenseman Toni Lydman is ready to return to the lineup tonight to take on the Boston Bruins.

Lydman hasn’t played since Oct. 21 when he was hurt in a game against the Florida Panthers.

“I was trying to keep the puck and it was a little bit behind me,” Lydman said. “I felt it right away that something happened. It didn’t feel all that bad but it took me a surprising long time [to return].

“It’s a relief, but also a big challenge to come back after missing that much time.”

Lydman was paired with Steve Montador at the morning skate, likely making Andrej Sekera the odd-man out.

Mike Grier, who is also suffering from a groin injury, participated in practice Friday morning, but was not skating on a regular line.

Tim Connolly and Derek Roy will be in the lineup after being given a ‘maintenance day’ on Thursday.

Game time is 7:30 p.m. at HSBC Arena. Be sure to join Kevin Sylvester and Mike Robitaille at 6:30 p.m. for a pre-game chat on sabres.com