The Buffalo Sabres are gearing up for a pivotal matchup against the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday night at KeyBank Center, and they’ll have a key weapon back in the arsenal. Tage Thompson, the team’s leading goal-scorer with 11 tallies this season, is set to return after a five-game absence due to a lower-body injury. Thompson sustained the injury during a Nov. 11 contest against Montreal but is now ready to contribute as the Sabres (11-9-1) aim to continue their momentum against the Central Division powerhouse.
Thompson’s Recovery and Return
The Sabres played it safe with Thompson’s recovery, keeping him out of action despite his insistence that he was ready to return during the recent West Coast road trip. The team’s cautious approach paid dividends, as Buffalo went 4-1 in his absence, including an impressive three-game sweep of California teams Los Angeles, Anaheim, and San Jose. The decision to hold Thompson out of the lineup until he was fully cleared highlights the Sabres’ commitment to long-term success over immediate returns.
Sabres’ Depth Shines Without Thompson
Buffalo’s depth shined during Thompson’s absence, with several centers stepping up to fill the void. Ryan McLeod scored in back-to-back games, while Dylan Cozens, Peyton Krebs, and rookie Jiri Kulich each found the back of the net on the road trip. Kulich, in particular, has been a revelation. The 20-year-old, who transitioned to center during this stretch, recorded a clutch overtime winner against Anaheim and excelled in the faceoff circle, winning 68.6% of his draws.
The Sabres’ ability to adapt and succeed without their star center bodes well as they prepare to face a strong Wild team.
Minnesota Wild Outlook
The Minnesota Wild (13-4-4) arrive in Buffalo looking to rebound after a 4-1 loss to Winnipeg. Kirill Kaprizov leads the team with 13 goals and 34 points and is a vital piece of a Wild squad that ranks among the NHL’s best defensively, allowing just 2.48 goals per game.l.
Sabres Lineup Notes
The Sabres are making some lineup adjustments ahead of the game. Jack Quinn could find himself a healthy scratch after a quieter outing against San Jose. Kulich, who impressed during practice, is poised to take Quinn’s spot on the second power-play unit.
In goal, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will get the start. The Finnish netminder has been stellar recently, boasting a .956 save percentage over his last five appearances. His play will be critical against a potent Wild offense led by Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello.
In a move to accommodate the return of Tage Thompson to the lineup, the Buffalo Sabres have loaned forward Isak Rosen back to the Rochester Americans. Rosen, 21, had been recalled last week ahead of the team’s three-game swing through California and made his season debut on Saturday in San Jose. He logged 6:29 of ice time in the Sabres’ comeback victory over the Sharks.
Rosen’s brief stint with the Sabres comes amid a strong start to his second professional season in North America. The young winger has been a standout for Rochester, leading the Amerks with 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists) through 14 games. His ability to generate offense and contribute in key situations has made him one of the AHL team’s most reliable forwards early in the campaign.
Injury Updates
Jordan Greenway remains sidelined after undergoing a non-surgical procedure to address a lingering middle-body injury. Greenway, a key penalty killer, has missed four games, and his status will be re-evaluated in the coming days. Players like Beck Malenstyn and rookie Zach Benson have stepped up on the penalty kill in his absence.
Final Thoughts
With Thompson back in the lineup and key depth pieces stepping up, the Sabres are poised to challenge the Wild in what promises to be a thrilling matchup. Buffalo’s recent resilience has shown its ability to compete even without top contributors. Wednesday’s game will serve as another test for a team looking to solidify its position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.