Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) – The Buffalo Sabres had no new positive COVID-19 tests on Monday, so they were able to return to the ice for practice.
Of course, the six players and staff members that are in the NHL's COVID-19 Protocol were not present. That included Zemgus Girgensons, Vinnie Hinostroza, Jeff Skinner, Dylan Cozens, Mark Jankowski and head coach Don Granato.
All but Girgensons are asymptomatic, and Girgensons talked to general manager Kevyn Adams on Christmas Eve and told him he feels great and no longer has symptoms.
Buffalo was supposed to practice on Sunday, but with three positive tests, Adams was told it would be a good idea to cancel it.
“It was recommended by our doctors to cancel practice yesterday, just to be smart and safe also knowing that we still had time with the potential game on Wednesday," Adams said. "We looked at today less about lines or working on any structure, but more about feeling the ice, feeling the puck, sweating and you’ve just got to get back and get a little rhythm.”
All but Girgensons can test out of protocols with two-consecutive negative PCR lab based tests, which means if they do test out, they’d be available for Wednesday’s game against the New Jersey Devils.
Two-and-a-half years ago, Granato was hospitalized and was so sick, his brother Tony didn’t think he’d make it. With that in mind, there’s a lot of concern for the Sabres' head coach.
“With his past, right away there was concern with someone who has been through what 'Donny' has, so he’s doing great," Adams said. "He’s asymptomatic, and we’re talking many times a day.”
Assistant coach Matt Ellis ran practice on Monday, and will also serve as head coach on Wednesday if Granato doesn’t test out of protocols. Ellis feels that he’s up for the challenge if he has to take over behind the bench.
“I feel pretty good about it, because our locker room is extremely self driven," Ellis said. "There’s a sense of confidence going in that we’re going to prepare to play hockey, and have that now and next mentality in the moment.”
With the new rules that include a taxi squad, if you need it, the Sabres just wanted to get on the ice and get back to work. There were no players called up or line rushes. The team hadn’t been on the ice since Dec. 19, and hasn’t had a game since Dec. 17.
Now comes the task of getting the right amount of players into practice on Tuesday, to get ready for Wednesday’s game.
“We’ll have meetings not just about here, but Rochester too and the health of players down there. We’ll make those decisions this afternoon,” Adams said. “What I’d like to do is be in a position tomorrow where we could practice as if we’re preparing for the game on Wednesday.”
Kyle Okposo is the captain of this team along with Girgensons. He says they were very happy to be back together on the ice and they’re coping with their current situation.
“We’re doing as best we can," Okposo said. "This isn’t something that’s limited to us as a league, so we’re just trying to get through it in the best, safest way possible. Today was just nice to be around the guys again.”
Dustin Tokarski was also on the ice for practice on Monday. He tested positive for COVID-19 on Dec. 1 in Fort Lauderdale, and was forced to quarantine for 11 days in Florida. With the symptoms he had, Adams says Tokarski has had trouble physically coming back.
“Today was his first full day back," he said. "He had some lingering issues coming off of his COVID situation, where he struggled a little bit coming back where he was dealing with some stuff as he started exercising. So we have to be really cautious.”
Tokarski wishes he was at full strength, but he knows it’s a process.
“I wish I felt perfect right away, but I’m working through a few things from the symptoms," the veteran goalie said. "I’m working on off-ice stuff to get back, and today was a fun start to get back to being healthy.”
Adams has met with the team to bring them up to speed so they know their situation, plus he wanted them to know there is open communication.
“The door’s open. Their safety is what we have to think about," Adams said. "If they’re uncomfortable or there’s something they want to talk about, they know my door’s open.”
Adams also told them to focus on what they can control so they don’t take their focus away from getting better on the ice.
Meanwhile, Adams was impressed with his 2021 first overall pick, Owen Power, who scored a hat trick on Sunday night for Team Canada at the World Junior Championship. With NHL players not going to February’s Winter Olympics, Power could be a key piece Canada would want in Beijing. Adams says he will have an opinion on that.
“I would definitely be part of that conversation, because I think there’s so much to think about when it comes to the development of a hockey player," he said. "Then you throw COVID on top of it and all the travel, so there are a lot of unknowns with the way the Olympics are going to shake out.”
Amerks winger Jack Quinn is fighting mononucleosis. Adams said they got him home for a while to recover, but he’s back in Rochester now. Adams said he lost a fair bit of weight, but he’s doing well, just not ready for hockey yet.
Drake Caggiula was participating in practice on Monday, but still on a non-contact basis.
***Photo: Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres)
