Injury Update: Thompson and Luukkonen Day-to-Day, Samuelsson Out Long-Term
As the Sabres prepare for their Thursday night clash with the St. Louis Blues, injury concerns loom over the lineup. Star forward Tage Thompson and goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen are listed as day-to-day after missing Wednesday’s practice, as confirmed by Head Coach Lindy Ruff. Both players are not yet ruled out for Thursday’s game, offering a glimmer of hope for Sabres fans. However, the news is more concerning for defenseman Mattias Samuelsson, who will be sidelined for multiple weeks due to a lower-body injury sustained Monday against the Montreal Canadiens. Ruff reassured that Samuelsson’s injury is significant but won’t require surgery, ensuring the defenseman’s return this season.
Thompson and Luukkonen Injury Details
Thompson, Buffalo’s leading scorer, exited Monday’s game in the second period with a lower-body issue. He’s since been replaced on the top line in practice by Ryan McLeod, who skated alongside Zach Benson and Alex Tuch. The Sabres hope Thompson’s injury, described as day-to-day, will not keep him out long. His absence would undoubtedly impact Buffalo’s offensive potency; with 11 goals in 16 games, Thompson has been a primary driver of their scoring success. McLeod has a significant opportunity in his absence to make his mark, though Ruff stressed the importance of team depth in stepping up during critical absences.
Luukkonen, meanwhile, played two periods against Montreal, only to be substituted in the third by Devon Levi after conceding four goals on 18 shots. The decision, Ruff said, was precautionary, as Luukkonen had sustained an undisclosed injury in practice earlier in the week. The NHL’s third star of last week, Luukkonen’s presence would be a key asset in stabilizing the Sabres’ defense. Should Luukkonen remain unavailable, Levi will get the nod for Thursday’s game, aiming to capitalize on his recent momentum after a challenging start to the season.
Samuelsson’s Extended Absence
The injury bug has been relentless for Mattias Samuelsson, who is now facing another extended period on the sidelines after missing significant portions of the previous two seasons. Samuelsson’s injury, also lower-body, occurred in a defensive scramble against Montreal, adding another blow to Buffalo’s defensive depth. With Samuelsson out, Ruff will likely rotate Dennis Gilbert or Henri Jokiharju into the lineup, leveraging the team’s defense depth to fill the gap. Despite this, Samuelsson’s physical presence and defensive instincts are hard to replace, and his absence will test the resilience of Buffalo’s blue line over the coming weeks.
Sabres’ Need for Secondary Scoring
The potential absence of Thompson places added pressure on Buffalo’s secondary scorers, including Dylan Cozens, JJ Peterka, and Jack Quinn, who will need to step up offensively. Ruff has emphasized the need for contributions across all four lines, a sentiment echoed by Cozens, who’s looking to build on his recent form. Cozens has shown improvement over the past week, finding the back of the net in two of his last three games, and has been creating more scoring chances at even strength.
Buffalo’s power play could also see adjustments. Thompson’s shot from the left flank is a core component of their setup, and without him, the Sabres will need to diversify their shooting threats. Ruff underscored the importance of adaptability, noting that even with key players sidelined, the team must maintain a high standard of play.
With Buffalo’s season hanging in the balance, the next few games will be critical in setting the tone for the team’s resilience amid injuries. As the Sabres await further clarity on Thompson and Luukkonen, the team will look to rally around each other and maintain their pursuit of playoff contention.