Sabres Evaluate Injuries to Luukkonen, Kesselring

Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed on Thursday that goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and defenseman Michael Kesselring are undergoing evaluations for injuries. These injuries occurred during Wednesday's preseason game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, forcing both players out of the lineup. The team is assessing the severity of their conditions.

Ruff noted that it would be beneficial for the team if Luukkonen's current injury is different from the one that sidelined him during the training camp. This distinction could indicate a less severe or different type of ailment, potentially allowing for a quicker return.

Goaltending Plan and Defensive Updates

With Luukkonen's status uncertain, Alex Lyon is set to start in goal for the Sabres' upcoming game on Friday in Pittsburgh. Lyon is expected to play for at least two periods. This decision provides stability in net as the team manages its injured players.

The Sabres received positive updates on two other defensemen. Bo Byram participated in Thursday's practice. His availability for Friday's game is high, pending his condition on game day. Coach Ruff stated,

"If he comes to the rink tomorrow and feels good, in all likelihood, we’ll play him."

Samuelsson and Benson Showing Progress

Mattias Samuelsson is also showing significant improvement. Ruff expressed optimism about Samuelsson's return to full practice. He commented,

"Samuelsson is feeling really good, and we’ll hopefully get him back to full practice tomorrow. That’s a big positive for us too."

This news is a boost for the defensive core, which has faced several injury concerns.

Forward Zach Benson, though not yet practicing with the team, is also making progress. Ruff indicated that Benson's return to practice is imminent.

"Benson feels good. I would project him back in practice in a day or two,"

Ruff said. He added,

"I talked to him this morning, and we’ve got a plan for him, so we’ll stay on track with that."

This structured approach aims to ensure Benson's healthy return to the ice.

Outlook for Season Opener

The Sabres are closely monitoring Luukkonen and Kesselring as the October 9 season opener against the New York Rangers approaches. Coach Ruff acknowledged that these two players are currently the most questionable for that initial game. However, the exact severity of their injuries remains unknown. Decisions regarding their availability will depend on ongoing medical assessments.

Following Friday's game in Pittsburgh, the team will not immediately return to Buffalo. Instead, they will embark on a team retreat. Ruff mentioned this retreat at the beginning of training camp as an important team-building exercise. This event will mark the official conclusion of the Sabres' training camp activities, allowing the team to focus fully on the upcoming season.

Importance of Health

Maintaining player health is a critical factor for any team's success in the National Hockey League. Injuries to key players, especially goaltenders and top defensemen, can significantly impact performance. The Sabres' coaching staff and medical team are working to ensure all players are fit for the demanding regular season schedule.

The early part of the season often sets the tone for a team's performance. Having a healthy roster, particularly for the first game, is important for momentum. The Sabres are hoping for quick recoveries for their injured players to start the season strong.

• The Sabres will play their final preseason game on Friday.
• The regular season begins on October 9 against the New York Rangers.
• Team cohesion will be a focus during the post-preseason retreat.