By JOHN WAWROW, BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Shortly after Teppo Numminen's preseason debut last month, the veteran Buffalo Sabres defenseman was in a rush to leave the locker room to keep an important commitment.

His two daughters were waiting just outside, and Numminen wanted to re-establish a family tradition by giving them a tour of the locker room after most everyone had left. As they entered, Numminen's daughter Bianca held her nose because of the pungent smell of sweat-soaked equipment drying in a corner.

Numminen smiled at the sight and familiar smell. This, finally, was back where he belonged after missing all but one game last season because of a faulty heart valve that was surgically repaired.

"It's been a long road," Numminen said. "It's great to be back doing things you love to do. I lost a big part of my life last year, but now I'm back. And I'm really enjoying it."

For the 40-year-old, who has been fully cleared to play, this is his second chance at p