Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR) – Off a successful sweep of the California swing and a 3-0-1 overall road trip, the Buffalo Sabres are back home preparing for a four-game homestand starting Wednesday against the Ottawa Senators at KeyBank Center.
Despite some consistency struggles and dealing with some injuries throughout the opening month of the season, the Sabres have continued to find ways to win and remain in contention in the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference. Buffalo still remains one point out of the final Wild Card spot occupied by the Florida Panthers, and four points back of first place in the division held by the Boston Bruins.
“These last three games pushed us over that 500 mark, and we've dealt with some adversity," said head coach Lindy Ruff after practice on Monday. "Looking around the league, there's been a lot of injuries, and I think it's become a little bit of the norm now, with the number of players that are hurt, and you've got to have depth to get through it. We've had guys that have stepped up in the absence of the guys that have been out that helped us win hockey games.”
The Sabres were without winger Zach Benson at practice Monday, while forward Konsta Helenius was also absent after returning to Buffalo during the California road trip.
Ruff says Benson was given a maintenance day, but is dealing with an injury suffered late in Saturday's win over the Los Angeles Kings. He's hoping to get Benson back on the ice Tuesday for practice, and have him available to play Wednesday.
As for Helenius, Ruff says the rookie remains in a week-to-week category with his upper-body injury.
Meanwhile, a trio of players were back on the ice for the Sabres on Monday, including forward Justin Danforth, defenseman Conor Timmins and goalie Alex Lyon. All three players continue to work their way back from injury, but all will need some time to ramp up and get ready for a return to game action.
For Lyon, he admits he doesn’t want to get too far ahead of himself, acknowledging he will take it day-by-day before his return. He admits he may have pushed himself too hard during a previous attempt for a return, forcing him to take a step back before getting back on the ice.
“It just wasn’t quite right yet, and so I kind of had to hit the pause button there and make sure things were good,” said Lyon after practice Monday.
When the Sabres return to game action Wednesday, they team will wear its new "Hometown Remix" uniforms, with puck drop scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EST.
