Nathan Gerbe had two goals in the pre-season for Buffalo. (Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Struggling to win and struggling to score, the Buffalo Sabres are hoping for a big lift from the NHL's smallest prospect.

Rookie Nathan Gerbe was called up from the team's AHL affiliate in Portland, Maine, to play for the Sabres on Saturday night in Tampa Bay.

Listed generously at five-foot-six, 160 pounds, Gerbe ranks second on Portland with an impressive 24 points (14 goals) in his first season as a pro.

To make room for Gerbe, the Sabres sent Mark Mancari — the Pirates' top scorer — back to Portland. The rookie right wing had a goal and assist in seven games with Buffalo.

Drafted in the fifth round by Buffalo in 2005, Gerbe led the NCAA in scoring last season with 68 points and 35 goals in 43 regular-season games for Boston College. Those numbers earned the feisty centre a nomination for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the top collegiate player in the U.S.

Gerbe then dominated in the NCAA tournament, tying a record with seven goals and capturing most-outstanding-player honours at the Frozen Four after scoring eight points (five goals) in the final two contests. That included two goals and two assists in the Eagles' 4-1 win over Notre Dame in the championship game.

In May, the Sabres signed Gerbe to a three-year deal potentially worth $2.55 million US and invited him to training camp. Gerbe scored twice in the pre-season but wasn't in coach Lindy Ruff's immediate plans.

The Sabres (11-11-3), coming off a 2-1 loss at Florida on Thursday, have lost three straight and are 3-9-1 in their past 13 games.

Among the NHL's highest-scoring teams in the three seasons following the 2004-05 lockout, Buffalo has dropped to 24th this season with 2.56 goals per game, down from 3.06 in 2007-08.