BUFFALO – Winger Matt Moulson woke up this morning feeling ill. Meanwhile, defenseman Mike Weber woke up feeling sore.
The Sabres don’t have an extra forward. Rochester is playing tonight in Iowa, so recalling one for tonight’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks won’t be easy.
What will the Sabres do?
“That’s a big question,” Sabres coach Ted Nolan said this morning inside the First Niagara Center.
The Sabres haven’t ruled Moulson out. Defenseman Tyson Strachan practiced in Weber’s spot beside Rasmus Ristolainen, who missed last game with a migraine.
Update: The Sabres have recalled forward Tim Schaller.
In other news, goalie Anders Lindback will make his fourth straight start. Matt Hackett, who relieved Lindback on Saturday, has been feeling sore and staying off the ice.
“It’s tough,” Nolan said about Hackett. “Our practice schedule’s not very good right now.”
Nolan said backup goalie Andrey Makarov could make his NHL debut Saturday in New York against the Islanders.
The Sabres will need more firepower this weekend against two top opponents. Believe it or not, the Sabres have 17 goals in the last five games. They only have 144 all season!
What has changed?
“Ever since the deadline everybody knows they’re going anywhere anymore,” Nolan said. “It’s kind of settled in. Some of the young kids are really learning fast. (Brian) Gionta’s one of the best leaders in this game. They’re learning what it takes to be a pro. They’re learning how to be consistent.”
