BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Buffalo Sabres have opened the NHL's three-day Christmas break by demoting four players to their American Hockey League affiliate in Rochester.

Forwards Mikhail Grigorenko, Joel Armia and Tim Schaller and defenceman Mark Pysyk were sent down on Wednesday, a day after playing in a 6-3 loss at Detroit. The players had been called up to fill spots on an injury-depleted lineup, which was missing eight regulars against the Red Wings.

Armia, Buffalo's 2011 first-round draft pick, had no points and logged nearly 15 minutes of ice time in his NHL debut. Grigorenko had an assist.

The Sabres (13-19-3) are 0-3-1 in their past four games. Buffalo is off until hosting the New York Islanders on Saturday.