Sabres Links: Butt Goal fallout, ice time evaluation, and Christmas cheer

The NHL defended the referee’s decision to not blow the whistle for the winning goal against Phoenix [Bleacher Report]
The Butt Goal goes viral [Buffalo News]
John Scott talks about getting an opportunity for more ice time in the Phoenix game [Buffalo News]
A look at the difference in ice time for players under Ron Rolston and Ted Nolan [Buffalo Wins]
The Sabres are actually fun to watch again [SabreNoise]
As the year winds down, here’s a look at some of the best Buffalo sports feuds from 2013 [Buffalo Wins]

Gary Bettman decides to uphold Shawn Thornton’s 15 game suspension [NHL.com]
Dion Phaneuf, one of the top free agents this year, could have a new extension very soon [Pro Hockey Talk]
Zach Parise’s foot may have never healed, resulting in him being pulled from the lineup Monday [Minnesota Star-Tribune]
Jonathan Ericsson out 3-5 weeks with fractured ribs [TSN]
Ottawa will get an outdoor game, looking like it will be in 2017 [Ottawa Sun]
A very cool Christmas read, ESPN has a Q&A with Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, who brought his love for the Maple Leafs to space [ESPN]

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