FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The Sabres nixed their morning skate (which fortunately is a regular happening in 80-degree beach weather). Craig Rivet and Patrick Kaleta were the only players headed to the rink, so they won't play tonight.
Here's a quick look at NHL news involving Kaleta, the Sabres and others:
*Tom Kaleta, the father of the Buffalo Sabres right winger, said Wednesday their charitable organization has officially received funding to build a multisport complex in Springville. The Kaletas, who run the HITS Foundation, plan to break ground on the project in April and hope to have it completed in August.
*The Sabres are experiencing a goal-scoring race. Normally the exclusive domain of Thomas Vanek, who has led the team in goals each of the previous four seasons, the team leader board now has two names.
Vanek is on top with 21 goals after scoring twice Tuesday in Tampa Bay. Drew Stafford is right behind at 20, courtesy of his third hat trick of the season during the 7-4 victory over the Lightning. If they continue to push each other, they could push the Sabres into the playoffs. Buffalo is just four points behind eighth-place Carolina with two games (and four possible points) in hand heading into tonight's game against at Florida.
*My buddy George Richards of the Miami Herald took time out of our soda drinking last night to do a quick update on the Panthers, who sent streaky winger Michael Frolk to Chicago on Wednesday, getting RW Jack Skille, RW Hugh Jessiman and C David Pacan back. Florida also threw in goalie Alexander Salak (loaned to Sweden).
''We need more physical players up front,'' assistant GM Mike Santos said. ''Skille is hard to play against.''
*Toronto sent defenseman Francois Beauchemin to the Ducks for forward Joffrey Lupul, defensive prospect Jake Gardiner and a conditional 2013 fourth-round pick.
*Fourteen goals. Six fights. Just another wild night between the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens.
---John Vogl
