Hackett - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Injuries still ravaging Sabres; Goalie Nathan Lieuwen out with concussion

BUFFALO – There is some good news. The Sabres could have three injured players back Tuesday against Detroit. Of course, 13 players – yes, a stunning 13 – are hurt right now.

Incredibly, the Sabres suffered three more injuries in the third period of Sunday’s 5-2 loss in Philadelphia.

– Goalie Nathan Lieuwen, who has a disturbing history of concussions, suffered another one, coach Ted Nolan said. Philadelphia’s Jay Rosehill possibly hit the rookie ... Read the full article

Sabres rookie Jake McCabe ready for NHL debut

Buffalo Sabres rookie Jake McCabe knows he’ll feel more nerves tonight during his NHL debut tonight in St. Louis against the Blues.

“Even out in the pregame skate, I’m sure my heart rate was getting up there, for sure,” the defenseman told reporters this afternoon in St. Louis. “This is a whole new level.”

The 20-year-old, the 44^th overall pick in 2012, played three NCAA seasons before signing a three-year, entry level contract ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Matt Hackett still confident he can grab top job

BUFFALO – Nothing has changed, Matt Hackett said. Forget that he was enduring a terrible season in Rochester before injuries forced his recall. Forget that general manager Tim Murray recently said the Sabres’ goalie of the future likely wasn’t in the organization.

Hackett, a key piece of April’s Jason Pominville trade with the Wild, hasn’t lost much confidence. The 24-year-old still believes he can become the team’s No. 1 netminder, a coveted spot that’s up ... Read the full article

‘Strange’ ailment forced Sabres’ Ville Leino from game; Zemgus Girgensons ready to return

BUFFALO – Interim Sabres coach Ted Nolan said what happened to forward Ville Leino early in Thursday’s 6-1 loss in Nashville “was strange.”

Leino experienced some lightheadedness and left the game. He didn’t practice Friday.

“He just started not feeling very well,” Nolan said after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning inside the First Niagara Center, their first home tilt following an awful 1-4 road trip. “When something like that ... Read the full article

Sabres want to be careful with Ville Leino; Zemgus Girgensons set to return

BUFFALO – Interim Sabres coach Ted Nolan said what happened to forward Ville Leino early in Thursday’s 6-1 loss in Nashville “was strange.”

Leino experienced some lightheadedness and left the game. He didn’t practice today.

“He just started not feeling very well,” Nolan said this afternoon following practice inside the First Niagara Center. “When something like that happens, you got to make sure you’re careful with it.”

Nolan said doctors are examining Leino today.

“Hopefully, ... Read the full article

Former Sabres goalie Ryan Miller relied on less with Blues, still adjusting to new team

TORONTO – Nights like Tuesday are acceptable now. Former Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller wasn’t dynamic in the St. Louis Blues’ 5-3 victory against the Maple Leafs. He looked average, even a bit shaky at times while making only 22 saves.

But Miller doesn’t have to be perfect these days. The 33-year-old’s tending goal for the NHL’s best team, not its worst.

Miller is 8-2-1 since the blockbuster Feb. 28 deal sent the franchise goalie ... Read the full article

Sabres send rookie Rasmus Ristolainen to Amerks

BUFFALO – The Sabres today sent rookie defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen to Rochester following a five-game recall.

Defensemen Tyler Myers (arm) or Alexander Sulzer (upper body) could be ready to return Tuesday in Montreal.

The 19-year-old Ristolainen compiled zero points and a minus-5 rating during the recall. The Finn has one goal, one point and minus-9 rating in 24 NHL games this season.

Goalie Matt Hackett will start against the Canadiens, interim Sabres coach Ted ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Matt Hackett to start against Oilers

With Matt Hackett starting Thursday against the Oilers, the Buffalo Sabres will use five goalies in a season for the first time since 1995-96.

The Sabres are missing starter Jhonas Enroth (right leg) and backup Michal Neuvirth (lower body).

Neuvirth faced shots during Wednesday’s practice and could be available Sunday in Vancouver, interim Sabres coach Ted Nolan told reporters in Edmonton.

“He’s doing a lot better right now,” Nolan said.

Rookie Nathan Lieuwen started ... Read the full article

Sabres’ goalie situation unclear with injuries; Rookie Nathan Lieuwen could start against Flames

BUFFALO – A day after his surprising NHL debut, everything had settled down a bit for Sabres rookie Nathan Lieuwen.

Lieuwen said his body felt OK after playing three games in three days, a rarity for a goalie. He even remembered some of the action he faced Sunday. Memories were a blur following his 22-minute, 10-save relief appearance in the Sabres’ 2-0 loss to Montreal.

“I could remember a few more things this ... Read the full article

Sabres recall goalie Matt Hackett from Amerks

BUFFALO – With starting goalie Jhonas Enroth sidelined by a right leg injury and backup Michal Neuvirth day-to-day with a lower-body ailment, the Sabres today recalled Matt Hackett from Rochester on an emergency basis.

The Sabres, who start a five-game road trip Tuesday in Calgary, only had one healthy goalie on the roster, rookie Nathan Lieuwen.

The 24-year-old Hackett has endured a rough AHL season with the Americans, going 13-17-2 with a 3.07 goals-against average ... Read the full article