Kalinin within reason
It seems Sabres defenseman Dmitri Kalinin had a good reason to play so shoddily last season.
Sabres coach Lindy Ruff revealed today after the training camp scrimmage that Kalinin struggled down the homestretch and into the playoffs because of a sports hernia. Kalinin played all 82 regular-season games and 16 playoff games, but his performances declined so much as the campaign wore on, he was bolted to the bench during the Eastern Conference finals.
The Sabres thought Kalinin was dealing with a mere groin injury. But he underwent sports hernia repairs six weeks ago and is taking part in all drills and practices.
"He's full go," Ruff said. "He's going to be scrimmaging here in camp. He'll be in the preseason games. He's got a green light to go full bore and in conversations with him, he says he feels great."
---Tim Graham
