Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) – Buffalo Sabres head coach Don Granato returned to the team on Tuesday after missing two games due to an illness. Seth Appert returned to the Rochester Americans after filling in as head coach.
Granato says having Appert fill in for him was something he wanted right away.
"Seth and I have been close for years, and we’ve run teams very similar," said Granato following Tuesday's practice in Downtown Buffalo. "We talk a lot, and even in [training] camp, a lot of the head coaching responsibilities I would delegate to Seth when he’s here. It’s just natural, and that’s the point: Keep everything the same. Seth’s in the routine as a head coach, so he knows all the details and the things you’ve got to think of. So for him, there’s no change."
Granato was in communication with Appert and his staff as much as he could be while he was away.
"In the moments where you’re feeling good, you’re engaged and watching closely, and offering anything you can," Granato said. "Sitting home, watching is absolutely a different perspective. It was fortunate we were able to bring Seth in and keep everybody in their spots."
Related
Kyle Okposo got injured in Sunday’s loss to the Ottawa Senators, and is now considered week-to-week with a lower-body injury. The Sabres captain was able to finish the game, being credited with a blocked shot.
Okposo had played well lately, as he had eight goals in his last 19 games, which translates to 35 goals over an 82-game season.
"It happened during the game, and it’s one of those injuries that if you can tolerate the pain, you get through it," Granato said. "The next day, the inflammation is going to lock it up, so he gutted it the last little bit of the game."
Granato had Victor Olofsson in Okposo's spot on Tuesday, but I would go with the player that's harder to play against: Eric Robinson. Tuesday was a wasted practice for Robinson, as he was put on defense.
Tuesday's lines:
Forwards:
Skinner – Thompson – Tuch
Peterka – Cozens – Quinn
Greenway – Mittelstadt – Benson
Girgensons – Krebs – Olofsson
Defense:
Dahlin – Samuelsson
E. Johnson – Jokiharju
Robinson also worked in with Power, Clifton and Ryan Johnson
