Grier misses practice; no call for MacArthur
Sabres right wing Mike Grier, who injured his groin during the third period of Wednesday's 3-1 victory over Edmonton, stayed off the ice today while his teammates practiced in Amherst Pepsi Center. Grier is doubtful for Friday's game against Calgary in HSBC Arena.
"Mike is a little sore," coach Lindy Ruff said. "We don't anticipate it being too long, but he could miss a little time. He could. There's still a chance he could play tomorrow, too."
Patrick Kaleta practiced in Grier's place on the line with Tim Kennedy and Jochen Hecht, and the right winger would fill that role if Grier can't play. Adam Mair, waived earlier this week, would replace Kaleta on the fourth line with Paul Gaustad and Matt Ellis.
"Mike's been a great asset to our team, and hopefully he can go," Kaleta said. "If I'm called up to fill a bigger part, it's an opportunity for me and I'm going to try and do my best."
Goaltender Patrick Lalime, who missed four games with a groin injury, practiced fully with the Sabres and will serve as the backup Friday. The Sabres sent Jhonas Enroth back to Portland, and the second-year pro will stay with the Pirates following their game tonight against Rochester in the arena.
Meanwhile, it appears left wing Clarke MacArthur will escape further penalty for his boarding major against the Oilers' Liam Reddox. Neither MacArthur nor Ruff received a call from the NHL this morning regarding the hit, so a fine or suspension is unlikely.
"I don't even feel like I leaned on him that hard," MacArthur said. "He just went in so quick."
---John Vogl
