Coach Ted Nolan indicated Thursday that the Sabres are uncertain when Hackett (knee) might return to action. Nolan suggested that Hackett, who has been rested the last couple of days, could be ready to play as soon as Friday's game against the Blackhawks, but also acknowledged the possibility that the goalie's absence might last a bit longer. The Sabres will play a back-to-back set on Friday and Saturday, so it would certainly be ideal for the team to have Hackett available for one of those games in order to give No. 1 goalie Anders Lindback a breather.