(WGR 550) – The NHL Department of Player Safety has suspended Buffalo Sabres goalie Aaron Dell for three games thanks to a hit he put on Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson that has him now out long-term with an ankle injury.
Many of the Sens players described the hit as a cheap shot, and the Department of Player Safety felt Batherson was not near the puck and was not eligible to be body checked.
In addition, it was a high shoulder check that caused Batherson to fall dangerously and with force into the back wall.
Craig Anderson has been practicing, and he felt it would take him five-to-seven practices to get himself ready to come back from injury. With two more practices before Saturday’s game in Arizona, he may be able to play backup to Michael Houser against the Coyotes.
Buffalo goes right to Colorado to play the Avalanche on Sunday, which might be an opportunity for Anderson to play. If he doesn’t feel he’s ready, the Sabres will have to sign another goalie.
The team had Wednesday off and will be back to work Thursday at Harborcenter.
