Kaleta cleared for return

The Sabres are slowly getting closer to full-strength, with Patrick Kaleta and Andrej Sekera both close to returning from injuries.

Sabres Head Coach Lindy Ruff said today, Kaleta is cleared to return after missing five games with a neck injury. Sekera practiced today as well. If he feels ready after Saturday's morning skate, he could also return to the lineup.

Defenseman Robin Regehr is also nearing a return, but will not be ready for Saturday's game.

The Sabres sent defenseman Adam Pardy down to Rochester to make room on the roster for a player to come off the Injured Reserve list.

Buffalo took an early flight out of town this morning to avoid the snowstorm hitting the northeast. The Sabres will play on the road against the Islanders Saturday, before returning home Sunday to take on Boston.