Following a frustrating 5-3 loss to the Washington Capitals Sunday, Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller had some choice words for teammate Patrick Kaleta, who had voiced his unhappiness with being a healthy scratch for his first game back from suspension.
Kaleta was suspended five games by the NHL for hitting New York Rangers forward Brad Richards from behind on April 3. After reportedly being told by coach Ron Rolston Sunday that he would be a healthy scratch against the Capitals, his first game since being suspended, the 26-year-old was livid.
“I’m pissed off. I want to play,” Kaleta told the Buffalo News after Rolston broke the news to him. “And especially after watching some things, sitting there watching the game, I want to play.
“I guess they don’t need me right now I guess. I’ve been pissed off watching for the past couple weeks.”
Miller, who allowed five goals on 25 shots against the Capitals, was frank about Kaleta’s comments.
“He’s being dramatic,” Miller said after the game. “We’re not discussing what (Kaleta) says to you guys, because that’s just drama and he needs to just grow up.”
“He had a stupid play in the game, he sat, he was punished, he has to get over it and move on. We handled it, he doesn’t have to go to you guys and say this stuff.”
The shortened 2013 season has been a wearisome one for the Sabres, who are currently sitting 14th in the Eastern Conference and only four points back of the 15th place Florida Panthers.