Zhitnik Suspended for 4 Games
Earlier Alexi Zhitnik recieved word, along with the Sabres that he was being suspended for 4 games. Zhinik high stick a Montreal player in the team's last game. He was breaking into the Canadien zone when he literally cross-checked the player in the head. Zhitnik will return for the Sabres' game on the 28 vs. Chicago.
Sabres Coach Lindy Ruff has been playing with new defensive pairings to try and get something started. Still expect to see Warrenerand McKee together, but Wololey and Smehlik will shre time with Kalinin and Campbell or Patrick , who will most likely fill Zhitnik's shoes for the time being.
The Sabres recent road trip losses may help Canter Mike Peca in his contract disputes. Peca can now claim that the team needs him to play better and mosre convincingly ask for his 3.5 million.
Goalie Mika Norenen has been sent down to Rochester in favor of Petr Skudra. "We wanted to get Petr some games in Rochester and all indications were he played pretty well for them," said Ruff. "Mika's got to be playing and he got a couple games up here but Rochester has three games and three nights and that will benefit him."
In extra news : Maxim Afinogenov has a sore groin and missed practice today. Curtis Brown returned to practice today after his groin was bothering him yesterday. Defenseman James Patrick will probably see his first action against Anaheim since a shoulder injury during the pre-season. He will take Zhitnik's spot.
