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Sabres suspend Zadorov, lose Neuvirth

Buffalo Sabres v Detroit Red Wings

Nikita Zadorov

NHLI via Getty Images

The Buffalo Sabres lost 11 straight contests to limp into the All-Star break. A brief vacation offered them a chance to put their struggles behind them, but the break and immediate aftermath didn’t go as planned. Rookie defenseman Nikita Zadorov was a no-show for Monday’s practice, so the team announced that they suspended him.

“We anticipate Nikita joining the team at some point during this week’s western road trip,” said Sabres GM Tim Murray. Buffalo will play in Calgary on Tuesday, Edmonton on Thursday, and Vancouver on Friday.

Goaltender Matt Hackett was present for the skate, but the reason for his inclusion wasn’t ideal. Michal Neuvirth suffered a lower-body while working out during the break and won’t attend any of the Sabres’ upcoming west coast games, per the team’s Twitter feed.

Neuvirth has a 3.39 GAA and .907 save percentage in 18 contests this season. Hackett, 24, has played in 21 career NHL games and has a 2.82 GAA and .912 save percentage.

Buffalo also called up 33-year-old forward Matt Ellis.

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