BUFFALO – This morning, five Sabres who played in Sunday’s 4-3 loss to Florida – Christian Ehrhoff, Marcus Foligno, Cody Hodgson, Steve Ott and Jason Pominville – didn’t skate during an optional workout inside the First Niagara Center.
“We got a couple guys that are nicked up that may be doubtful (for the Senators),” coach Lindy Ruff said after the Sabres prepared for Tuesday’s tilt in Ottawa.
Well, at least one probably won’t be playing Tuesday, possibly Ehrhoff. The Sabres recalled defenseman Adam Pardy from the Rochester Americans tonight.
Pardy, an offseason acquisition from Dallas, was waived last month during training camp.
The 28-year-old had one goal, three points, four penalty minutes and a plus-3 rating in five AHL appearances. He’s played 183 NHL games, including 36 last season with the Stars.
The Sabres are already missing defensemen Robyn Regehr (lower body) and Andrej Sekera (bruised foot, one game).
In other injury news, Ruff said winger Patrick Kaleta (neck, three games) is “progressing.”
“I’d say he’s close to getting back on the ice,” Ruff said. “He may even skate on his own tomorrow. So he’s on the road to recovery.”
Meanwhile, Ruff acknowledged he fears winger Ville Leino (hip) could miss the season. The Finn hasn’t played yet this year after going down late in training camp.
“We’re trying a different type of treatment again for what he has,” Ruff said. “You hope you can gain some traction with it. The answer is I don’t know right now.”
Ruff said surgery hasn’t been discussed. That’s the end of the line.
“You go to a surgeon he’s going to recommend surgery,” he said.
Right now, Matt Ellis is the Sabres’ only extra healthy forward.