Nikita Zadorov is expected to serve as a healthy scratch for Saturday's game against the Avalanche, Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald reports.

Zadorov is expected to serve as a healthy scratch for Saturday's game against the Avalanche, Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald reports.

Analysis:

In what has become a recurring theme this season, coach Ted Nolan expressed frustration with Zadorov's play during Thursday's loss to the Coyotes, and it appears it will cost the young defenseman his lineup spot. Despite Thursday's game going to overtime, Zadorov saw his ice time decline for a third straight game, as he finished with 9:46 of action on the evening. Look for Tyson Strachan to swap in for Zadorov on the Sabres' third defensive pairing.