For the first time since being named interim head coach of the Buffalo Sabres yesterday, Ron Rolston met with the media this afternoon in Toronto in advance of tonight’s game with the Maple Leafs. There was a pretty strong contingent of Buffalo based media there today, and based on their reports and tweets, here’s a little rundown of notes and quotes.
Mikhail Grigorenko will remain a healthy scratch tonight, marking the third consecutive game he’ll miss. Kevin Porter is up from Rochester, joined his teammates at the morning skate and will be in the lineup tonight.
Rolston said that defensemen Jordan Leopold has an upper body injury and won’t play. Andrej Sekera is close to returning from his charley horse injury but won’t play tonight. That means T.J. Brennan remains in as the sixth defensemen.
According to Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News, Rolston’s press conference lasted 12 minutes. The following are quotes from Sabres players regarding the dismissal of Lindy Ruff that Harrington tweeted.
“We could all tell he was upset and emotional and it was emotional for us too. It’s a big change for us.”- Tyler Ennis.
“There’s no other word to describe it except just shocking.”- Drew Stafford.
“He basically made a Buffalo kid’s dream come true. I’m thankful for everything he’s done for me.” – Patrick Kaleta.
As for Rolston himself, he did say one thing of note when discussing the problems the Sabres have had this season.
“From what I saw, it was more of just a lot of shortcuts, a lot of shortcuts, a lot of rest in shifts, the things that you just have to eliminate if you’re going to be a good hockey team.” Rolston told reporters.
One last thing to note— Cody McCormick cleared waivers and will be assigned to Rochester.
Puck drop for the Sabres tonight is at 7:00pm.
(Photo credit: Adam Beningi/WGRZ)





















