Coach Ralph Krueger updates Staal injury following Sabres opener

Eric Staal suffered an injury in last night’s Sabres opener on a hit to the head. Coach Krueger and some other members of the team were not pleased with the hit.

The Buffalo Sabres are looking to build team chemistry and rhythm with a roster of new additions as they kicked off the shortened 2020 season last night against the Washington Capitals, which saw the Caps come out on top 6-4.

Though the four-goal effort gave much reason for optimism in terms of increasing the teams scoring and included the first goal as a Sabre for Taylor Hall, it was not without some concern over a controversy on the ice.

On a Sabres possession midway through the third period of the game, veteran forward Eric Staal, who was recently acquired from the Minnesota Wild via trade, was the recipient of a brutal high hit as he backhand passed the puck in the neutral zone.

The hit came courtesy of Capitals forward Nic Dowd. Dowd took aim, targeting a blindside hit to Staal’s head. The Capitals forward’s shoulder leaned in connecting on Staal’s head and chin, with Dowd receiving only a minor two-minute penalty for the severe shot.

Staal left the game to be evaluated and would not return. He is now listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

While fans viewing the game from home may have expected the injury to be worse, fortunately, Staal was able to get up and leave the ice.

In speaking with the press after the game, Sabres head coach Ralph Krueger shared his thoughts on the hit.

“Quite surprised that a hit to the head gets two minutes, but it is what it is and we’re disappointed with that finish stretch there for sure,” said Krueger per the Buffalo News.

“Yeah, that’s a tough hit,” added Sabres wing Taylor Hall. “He’s not even a really dangerous player at that point when he has the puck. So, for the guy to go after him and make contact with his jaw like that, it’s not something that you want to see. Hopefully he’s OK. I haven’t been able to check on him yet. But he’s a big part of our team not only on the ice but off the ice.”

After an evaluation Friday morning, coach Krueger offered an update adding to the belief Staal will be okay ahead of tonight’s match with the Capitals, saying the forward would be a game-time decision.

One of several players making their Sabres debut, Staal was brought in via exchange for Marcus Johansson this offseason, bringing a veteran presence and depth to the Sabres lineup, as well as his experience of 47 points in 66 games last season.