Chad Ruhwedel believes Zac Rinaldo’s hit was dirty. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Amerks’ Chad Ruhwedel impressive in return from concussion

ROCHESTER – Chad Ruhwedel said his first concussion “wasn’t fun.” The defenseman experienced bad headaches for a few days after Philadelphia’s Zac Rinaldo elbowed him in the head April 6 during a recall to the Buffalo Sabres.

Ruhwedel figured his regular season was over.

But the 23-year-old, who was sent to the AHL earlier this week, felt well enough to return Friday for the Americans’ 5-1 win against the Syracuse Crunch inside the Blue Cross ... Read the full article

Tyler Myers missed the last 10 games. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Tyler Myers had broken ribs, will likely play at world championship

BUFFALO – Tyler Myers’ season isn’t over yet. The Sabres defenseman said the broken ribs that sidelined him the final 10 games have mostly healed. The 24-year-old will likely accept an invitation to play for Team Canada at next month’s world championship.

Myers crashed into the net March 25 in Montreal. He didn’t reveal his injury until Monday.

“It’s coming along quite well,” Myers said as the Sabres cleaned out their lockers and held end-of-season ... Read the full article

Tim Murray has been talking with NHL officials. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres want to be vocal with NHL, upset about Zac Rinaldo’s suspension

BUFFALO – Sabres general manager Tim Murray recently asked coach Ted Nolan to tell him everything that was happening.

Why?

“Because we’re going to complain about it,” Murray told Nolan.

The Sabres are angry the NHL only suspended Flyers agitator Zac Rinaldo four games for elbowing defenseman Chad Ruhwedel in the head late in Sunday’s 5-2 loss in Philadelphia.

Ruhwedel is home recovering from a concussion and out indefinitely. Rinaldo, meanwhile, can play again next ... Read the full article

Ted Nolan wants head hits out of the game. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres upset about Zac Rinaldo’s suspension, plan to be ‘vocal on this one’

BUFFALO – About three games ago, Sabres general manager Tim Murray told coach Ted Nolan to tell him everything that was happening.

“Because we’re going to complain about it,” Murray said.

The Sabres are clearly angry Flyers agitator Zac Rinaldo only received a four-game suspension for elbowing defenseman Chad Ruhwedel in the head late in Sunday’s 5-2 loss in Philadelphia.

Ruhwedel is home recovering from a concussion. Rinaldo, meanwhile, can play again next week.

Nolan ... Read the full article

Andrey Makarov will play behind Matt Hackett tonight. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres recall Andrey Makarov, Mark Pysyk from Amerks

BUFFALO – With goalie Nathan Lieuwen sidelined by a concussion, the Sabres recalled rookie Andrey Makarov from Rochester this morning.

The team also summoned defenseman Mark Pysyk to replace the concussed Chad Ruhwedel and sent winger Luke Adam back to the Americans.

The 20-year-old Makarov has never played in the NHL and only recently earned a promotion to the Amerks.

Still, Makarov has played well in the AHL, going 3-3 with a 2.70 goals-against ... Read the full article

Marcus Foligno skates Monday. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Injury-plagued Sabres could get 3 players back against Red Wings

BUFFALO – There is some good news for the reeling, injury-ravaged Sabres. They could have three players back tonight against the Detroit Red Wings. Of course, 13 – yes, a stunning 13 – are hurt right now.

Incredibly, the NHL’s worst team lost three more players in the third period of Sunday’s disastrous 5-2 loss in Philadelphia.

Goalie Nathan Lieuwen, who has a disturbing history of concussions, suffered another one, coach Ted ... Read the full article

Zac Rinaldo had one prior NHL suspension. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

NHL suspends Flyers’ Zac Rinaldo 4 games for elbowing Sabres’ Chad Ruhwedel in head

BUFFALO – The NHL tonight suspended Philadelphia Flyers agitator Zac Rinaldo four games for elbowing Sabres defenseman Chad Ruhwedel in the head late in Sunday’s 5-2 loss to the Flyers.

Ruhwedel suffered a concussion and is out indefinitely.

In suspending Rinaldo for the second time in his 165-game career, NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan said the winger took a poor angle of approach and didn’t make full-body contact with Ruhwedel, who had just shot the puck.... Read the full article

Goalie Nathan Lieuwen has a history of concussions. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

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

Chad Ruhwedel left Sunday’s loss. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Chad Ruhwedel out with concussion after elbow to head

Sabres defenseman Chad Ruhwedel suffered a concussion when Flyers agitator Zac Rinaldo elbowed him in the head 4:29 into the third period Sunday, Buffalo coach Ted Nolan said.

“Those are tough hits that we have to get rid of,” Nolan told reporters in Philadelphia following the Sabres’ 5-2 loss. “Those are not only dangerous hits, but it’s a putting a fellow player in jeopardy of his career.”

He added: “It’s just a dirty hit, and ... Read the full article

Matt Hackett made 29 saves Saturday. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

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