SABRES RECALL NORONEN, ESSENSA'S JOB IN JEOPARDY?
(from Associated Press)
Having lost patience in starting goaltender Martin Biron, the Buffalo Sabres recalled rookie Mika Noronen on Thursday [December 20th].
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Coach Lindy Ruff, who hasn't been impressed with veteran backup Bob Essensa's performance either, all but threw the starting job wide open.
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Essensa has ... struggled in limited action, with an 0-4 record, and having allowed 14 goals in six appearances, including the game winner against Chicago [December 19th].
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Noronen's arrival leaves Essensa's status in jeopardy.
Because of an NHL-mandated holiday roster freeze, which began Wednesday, the Sabres won't be able to make a move until Dec. 27.
Saying he was going to "explore all possibilities," Ruff didn't rule out the possibility of demoting Essensa to the minors.
Essensa, signed last off-season for his veteran experience, admitted he's not been at his best.
"I haven't exactly stood on my ear. My stats are horrendous. My save percentage is as bad as it's ever been," Essensa said. "I'm going to stay positive and work hard until I can correct that."
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