After a 6-1 loss on Sunday, the Buffalo Sabers could be even stronger on Tuesday.
The Sabers have beaten the odds in their first-round playoff series against the Boston Bruins with a mix of momentum and growing injury concerns.
In Sunday's decisive Game 4 victory, the Sabers recorded a dominant 6–1 victory.
However, the game came at a material cost. Forwards Tyson Kozak and Jason Zucker both left in the third period and did not return.
Head coach Lindy Ruff explained that the decision was precautionary. He said the team's substantial lead allowed them to prioritize player health rather than pushing the injured duo back onto the ice.
"Just treat them and leave them in the dressing room, where the game was going on," Ruff said after the game.
Additionally, forward Josh Norris missed his second consecutive game due to an undisclosed injury. Ruff confirmed that Norris remains day-to-day, a status that keeps him questionable for upcoming competitions.
current injury report
- Josh Norris, F (undeclared): Out April 21st. Missed Games 3 and 4 of the series; day to day.
- Sam Carrick, F (left wing): Out since March 31 after suffering an injury during a fight. Week-to-week and expected to miss the first round.
long term injuries
- Jiri Kulich, F (blood clot): Out November 1st. Originally projected to miss the season, he has resumed non-contact skating, but is still sidelined.
- Justin Danforth, F (lower body): Out since October 15 due to knee injury. Due to persistent pain after surgery, recovery is continued by skating intermittently.
These absences test the Sabres' depth as they struggle for series control.
Despite some injuries, the Sabres' resiliency has been surprising. They are relying on strong performance from goaltender Alex Lyons and emerging key contributors from rookie forward Noah Ostlund.
The series moved 3–1 in favor of the Sabers to Buffalo for Game 5. If home ice wasn't enough to put the nail in Boston's coffin, perhaps the return of Norris and avoiding the worst with Zucker and Kozak is.
