The Portland Pirates will be getting some much needed offense back into the lineup as forward Nathan Gerbe has been sent down by the Buffalo Sabres.

Gerbe was recalled by the Sabres back on Dec. 9 where he promptly made his presence felt by scoring his first career NHL goal in a 3-0 win over the Washington Capitals.

The thrill was short-lived after he suffered a groin strain the following night that has kept him out of action since.

Gerbe, 22, has recorded five goals and 15 assists for 20 points in 23 games with the Pirates this season and was recently named to PlanetUSA’s roster for the upcoming AHL All-Star Classic that will be held in Portland.

A native of Oxford, MI, Gerbe was Buffalo’s fifth-round selection (142nd overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.