Joe Finley will be playing in his first NHL game as the Buffalo Sabres will use him on the defense corps when the Detroit Red Wings visit tongiht. Finley, 24, is 6-foot-8 and 260 pounds and a former No. 1 pick of the Washington Capitals in 2005 who stayed at the University of North Dakota until 2009. His last two pro seasons were marred by injuries, including a serious artery rupture in his hand, and he came to Buffalo's training camp on a tryout. He impressed coaches with his skating ability and got a ticket to Rochester that turned into an NHL contract on Monday. Eighteen games and a surprising spot on the Amerks' top defensive pairing later, Finley is in the NHL while Jordan Leopold sits out the weekend with an upper body injury. Finley leads the Amerks in penalty minutes (57) and in plus-minus at plus-10. He had just one goal and one assist in 18 games but has been impressive with his defensive play and his toughness.