Sabres Get Gilmour to Make Playoff Run

The slumping Buffalo Sabres hope Doug Gilmour’s grit, leadership and experience will bolster their stretch drive for the playoffs.

The Sabres acquired the 36-year-old center from the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday for forward Michal Grosek, who last month expressed his displeasure at being benched by Coach Lindy Ruff.

The Sabres also got rookie forward J.P. Dumont from Chicago. The trade came less than 12 hours after the Sabres acquired Chris Gratton in a four-player, two-draft pick deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

In return for Gratton, Tampa Bay acquired regulars Brian Holzinger and Wayne Primeau, two players who have underachieved this season, and promising young defenseman Cory Sarich.

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Philadelphia Flyer Coach Roger Neilson underwent a stem cell transplant, the latest step of his treatment for cancer. “Things are going exactly as we anticipated,” said Dr. Isadore Brodsky, chief of oncology hematology at Hahnemann University Hospital. “All things considered, he’s doing well.” . . . The Boston Bruins acquired right wing Mike Knuble from the New York Rangers for right wing Rob DiMaio. Knuble, 27, had nine goals and five assists in 59 games for the Rangers. DiMaio, 32, had five goals and 16 assists in 50 games this season for the Bruins.