Buffalo Sabres News

Zucker seemed to be a shoo-in to make the roster before training camp began, but the emergence of Mikael Granlund and Nino Niederreiter cost Zucker his opening night gig because Zucker would be a waste on the fourth line. Zucker also strained his groin at an inopportune part of training camp. Zucker has tallied four goals and eight points, including three power-play goals, in 12 games with Iowa this season. Zucker played one scoreless game for the Wild earlier this season.

Pearson, 21, made his NHL debut in Game 3 of the second round series between Los Angeles and San Jose and appears to be capable of providing value to the Kings, who selected him with the final pick of the first round of the 2012 NHL Draft. In 15 games with Manchester this season, the 6-foot, 205 pound forward has recorded 11 points (7-4=11) in 15 games while taking 52 shots.

Schenn has one goal and a minus-7 rating in 12 games this season. Hal Gill will make his Flyers debut with Schenn taking a seat.

Zucker was recalled by Minnesota on Sunday and made his season debut with the Wild Tuesday at Nashville skating 13:13 and registered one shot on goal.

Zucker, the speedster left wing, scored four goals in 20 games last season and an overtime winner in the playoffs. Coach Mike Yeo says it's too early to determine the plans going forward and the Wild felt it was time to give Zucker a shot, but my guess:

Pearson was selected with the 30th pick in the 2012 NHL Draft. He was always a good offensive player but he has turned himself into a reliable two-way forward which is why he was expected to crack the Kings opening day roster. He and Tyler Toffoli should enjoy a lot of success in the AHL and will likely find themselves in a Kings uniform at some point this year.

“He has moments in these games where he’s able to create chances, able to draw penalties, and that’s the kind of player he is. And that’s huge,” Yeo said. “I didn’t like his first period. I thought that he got stronger in the second period and in the third period, he changed the game.”

Zucker said it felt "absolutely perfect" in today's practice and coach Mike Yeo said there's a very good chance he plays Monday's preseason game in Columbus. He had 50 points in 55 games in the AHL last season and four goals in 20 games with the Wild.

Zucker has four goals and one assist in 19 games with the WIld this season.

Zucker had no points and was a minus-2 in five games during his most recent call-up.

P.M. Bouchard has snatched back his 2nd-line spot where Zucker had been playing. With Zucker not suited for 4th line duties has has been sent down.

Zucker missed just two games with a concussion. He will return to the Wild lineup tonight and replace Mike Rupp who is out with a lower-body injury. Zucker has four goals and one assist in 11 games this season.

Zucker was the victim of the Corey Perry that earned Perry a 4 game suspension.

Schenn sat out the Flyers last game because of the flu but he will be back in the lineup tonight when the Flyers take on the Devils. Schenn is a solid defensive defenseman, so he is a much more useful hockey player than he is fantasy player.

Late news on Schenn being scratch. He has the flu.

Zucker was the victim of a vicious hit by Corey Perry last night that will likely result in Perry being suspended. Zucker stayed down for a few minutes before being helped off the ice by trainers. When there are hits to the head the first concern is always a concussion, but the fact that Zucker is skating this morning is positive news.

An update on his status will come tomorrow.

Carrick just finished his fourth year with the Brampton Battalion, scoring 37 goals and 67 points in with 104 PIM in 68 games.

Expect Zucker to make his NHL debut on the third line tomorrow night.

Zucker just finished his second season at U. of Denver, scoring 22 goals and 46 points in 38 games.