Nolan on Hodgson: Sometimes it’s good to sit back now & then, gain some perspective. One thing we can’t question is his work ethic #CGYvsBUF
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) December 11, 2014
The decision comes one game after Nolan parked Chris Stewart -- he of the three goals in 27 games this season -- upstairs for Tuesday’s win over L.A., a move that drew Stewart’s ire.
“I’m not happy about it,” Stewart said, per the Buffalo News. “I don’t agree with being a healthy scratch but I’m going to take it on the chin like a man.”
Hodgson was more diplomatic about being dropped from the lineup, possibly because he only has one goal and three points in 28 games this season while watching his average time on ice plummet to 14:08 per game. That’s remarkably low output from someone on a six-year, $25.5 million deal.
“If I’m not contributing, then I need to figure out a way to help the team better,” Hodgson said, per the News. “Lots of guys have gone through it, but hopefully it’ll make me stronger.”