The Buffalo Sabres this morning recalled veteran goalie Dustin Tokarski from the Rochester Americans to give them some insurance in net.
Granato said the Sabres have been dealing with illness. They did not practice Wednesday as a precaution.
“With how certain guys felt, we needed to make sure we were covered for this morning in the event more flared up,” Granato told reporters in St. Petersburg.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to start tonight’s road game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Eric Comrie has recently backed him up.
Update: The Sabres on Friday sent Tokarki and forward Tyson Jost back to Rochester.
Tokarski, 34, has registered a 7-7-3 record with a 3.32 goals-against average and an .892 save percentage in 18 games with the Amerks this season. The Sabres recently recalled him twice to back up games.
With rookie goalie Devon Levi in Rochester, Tokarski’s playing time has recently been limited. The Amerks also have goalie Devin Cooley.
Tokarski has compiled 23-34-12 mark with a 3.15 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage in 80 career NHL games. He played 42 contests for the Sabres during his previous stint in the organization.
