WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Offseason Edition
Matt Hackett has played 14 AHL games this season. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
Matt Hackett could be the Buffalo Sabres’ new starting goalie.
With a lower-body injury putting newcomer Chad Johnson’s season in doubt, the Sabres recalled Hackett from Rochester on Saturday and started him hours later against the Washington Capitals, his second NHL appearance this season.
Hackett must play eight NHL games or he will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Sabres need to evaluate goalies for next season, so he could receive a long ... Read the full article
Matt Hackett could see some action down the stretch. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The Sabres recalled goalie Matt Hackett and sent center Mikhail Grigorenko and goalie Andrey Makarov back to the Rochester Americans this afternoon.
Makarov was summoned Friday after goalie Chad Johnson suffered a lower-body injury in the morning skate. Johnson’s season could be over, Sabres coach Ted Nolan told reporters.
Goalie Anders Lindback played in Friday’s 3-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators. The Sabres face the Washington Capitals tonight.
The 25-year-old Hackett, who returned ... Read the full article
Chris Stewart has been the Sabres’ best forward recently. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Ted Nolan’s response raised some eyebrows. Coaches, after all, rarely acknowledge they have players who are ready to leave town.
But Tuesday in Montreal, hours before the Sabres’ 3-2 win ended their 14-game losing streak, Nolan, whose rebuilding club will likely be selling off assets soon, went a step further.
“We got some guys who could be very beneficial to some playoff teams,” Nolan replied when asked if coaching could be tougher because ... Read the full article
Matt Hackett played one game during his recall. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The Sabres sent goalie Matt Hackett back to the Rochester Americans today, meaning Michal Neuvirth has likely healed from the lower-body injury he sustained working out during the NHL All-Star break late last month.
Hackett played one game, Friday’s 5-2 loss in Vancouver, making 33 saves. He recently returned to game action in the AHL after tearing up his right knee late last season.... Read the full article
Nikita Zadorov (51) will join the Sabres in Calgary. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – When the Sabres began their first post-NHL All-Star break practice Monday afternoon, Nikita Zadorov was absent.
Where was the 19-year-old defenseman? Apparently, stuck in the Dominican Republic.
The Sabres announced at 2:41 p.m. Monday they had suspended Zadorov after he failed to report back to the team on time following the break.
“What can you do?” coach Ted Nolan said after the Sabres practiced without Zadorov inside HarborCenter. “The travel conditions sometimes get ... Read the full article
Nikita Zadorov sat much of October. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The Sabres suspended Nikita Zadorov today after the 19-year-old defenseman failed to report back to the team on time following the NHL All-Star break.
“What can you do?” coach Ted Nolan said this afternoon after the Sabres practiced without Zadorov inside HarborCenter. “The travel conditions sometimes get in the way. That’s how it is.”
In a statement, general manager Tim Murray said Zadorov would join the team on its trip out west. Nolan ... Read the full article
Nikita Zadorov was late reporting back to the Sabres. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The Sabres suspended Nikita Zadorov today after the 19-year-old defenseman failed to report back to the team on time following the NHL All-Star break.
Zadorov isn’t on the ice this afternoon practicing at HarborCenter.
“We anticipate Nikita joining the team at some point during this week’s western road trip,” Sabres general manager Tim Murray said in a statement.
In other news, the Sabres have recalled goalie Matt Hackett from Rochester because Michal Neuvirth ... Read the full article
Patrick Kaleta left Monday’s game but will play tonight. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Sabres winger Patrick Kaleta said he had no clue he punched himself in the head Monday during his ferocious fight with Ottawa’s Jared Cowen until someone informed him.
Kaleta’s cool with his unusual move, though.
“Hey, if that’s what it takes to win a fight, then that’s what happens,” he said Tuesday after the Sabres practiced in HarborCenter.
Naturally, friends have been sending Kaleta the video. What happened? How does a veteran who ... Read the full article
Patrick Kaleta fought for the first time this season Monday. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Sabres winger Patrick Kaleta said he had no clue he punched himself in the head Monday during his ferocious fight with Ottawa’s Jared Cowen until someone informed him.
Kaleta’s cool with his unusual move, though.
“Hey, if that’s what it takes to win a fight, then that’s what happens,” he said today after the Sabres practiced in HarborCenter.
Naturally, friends have been sending Kaleta the video. What happened? How does a veteran who ... Read the full article
Matt Hackett hurt his knee April 12. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The Sabres waived Matt Hackett today, according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, meaning the goalie will likely start playing again soon in Rochester.
Hackett has been rehabbing with the Sabres all season after suffering a gruesome knee injury April 12 in Boston when the Bruins’ Torey Krug landed on his right leg. He underwent reconstructive surgery in May.
The 24-year-old played eight games with the Sabres late last season, going 1-6-1 with a 3.10 ... Read the full article
