PHOTO: Retired netminder Arturs Irbe suits up for Sabres to back up Enroth

The Buffalo Sabres turned to 47-year-old goaltending coach Arturs Irbe as an emergency backup after Michal Neuvirth suffered an injury in Tuesday's game against the San Jose Sharks.

Irbe has not played in the NHL since 2004 - not than anyone could tell once he put on the pads.

"I was ready to go if needed. I was focused," Irbe told reporters following the game, which Buffalo won 4-1. "It's a snow day, Latvian Independence Day, a big day."