Buffalo Sabres Injury Updates and Upcoming Challenges
The Buffalo Sabres are gradually welcoming back players from their injury list just as they brace for a demanding stretch of away games. After hosting the New Jersey Devils on Black Friday, they will compete in seven out of their next eight matchups on the road. The team’s latest outing resulted in a disappointing 4-2 road loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, marking their eighth defeat in nine away games this season. Jason Zucker and Jack Quinn were the lone goal scorers for the Sabres during this matchup, which took place on Wednesday.
Player Returns and Injury Updates
Zucker made his comeback in the thrilling 9-3 blowout against the Chicago Blackhawks last Friday, and Zach Benson also returned to the ice to contribute to a solid 4-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes last Sunday. Meanwhile, center Josh Norris, who has been sidelined due to injury, is getting closer to a return. Head coach Lindy Ruff noted that Norris, based on his recent practice involvement, is making progress and is now considered day-to-day. There’s optimism that he may rejoin the lineup for the games against the Devils or the Minnesota Wild on Saturday.
Norris’s history with injuries has been troubling; after being traded to the Sabres from Ottawa in March, a previous injury cut his season short, limiting him to just three games. He entered the preseason in excellent shape and performed well, but an upper body injury suffered in the season opener against the New York Rangers has sidelined him for nearly two months. His absence, alongside multiple injuries to other players, has significantly affected the Sabres, who currently sit last in the Eastern Conference with a 9-10-4 record.
Challenges Ahead
After practice on Tuesday, Norris expressed the challenges he’s faced, stating, “I just come to work every day, do the things that you can do and stay on top of things, and just be a pro. I’ve been kind of on the wrong side a little bit now, so that’s obviously really hard.”
As the Sabres seek to recover and improve their standing, bringing Norris back to full health is of paramount importance. With a taxing December schedule looming, the team faces a tough road ahead.
