Just when the Buffalo Sabres finally started to string together some victories, winning their fourth straight with a 5-3 triumph over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night, the injury bug reared its ugly head once again.
Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff, who's been juggling his lineup card all season because of numerous key injuries, announced defenseman Conor Timmins is expected to miss at least six weeks after suffering a broken leg against the Flyers.
Timmins was acquired in an offseason trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins and quickly established himself as a pivotal piece of Buffalo's NHL-leading penalty kill (85.4%).His 70 blocked shots lead the club., too.
The Blue and Gold did receive a defensive boost for the clash with Philly as fellow summer arrival Michael Kesselring rejoined the lineup, and now the 6-foot-5 blueliner will likely be asked to immediately take on a more vital role on the PK.
Timmins' timetable means he likely won't be available for the Sabres until after the league's Olympic break in late February. Jacob Bryson will hop back in the lineup in the meantime.
For now, let's hop into the latest edition of our Sabres player grades series after a balanced offensive performance from the suddenly surging squad.
Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin continue to lead the Buffalo Sabres' surge in Dec. 18 win over the Philadelphia Flyers
Sabres player grades
Player | Grade (1-10) |
|---|---|
Tage Thompson | 9 |
Rasmus Dahlin | 8.5 |
Noah Ostlund | 8 |
Josh Doan | 7.5 |
Josh Norris | 7.5 |
Peyton Krebs | 7 |
Mattias Samuelsson | 6.5 |
Alex Tuch | 6 |
Zach Benson | 6 |
Alex Lyon | 5.5 |
Conor Timmins | 5 |
Owen Power | 5 |
Bowen Byram | 4.5 |
Jack Quinn | 4 |
Ryan McLeod | 3.5 |
Tyson Kozak | 3 |
Michael Kesselring | 3 |
Beck Malenstyn | 2.5 |
Jordan Greenway | 1.5 |
Buffalo Player of the Game: Tage Thompson
Thompson had a rough first period, as pointed out by former NHL coach and current ESPN commentator John Tortorella, but his response over the final 40 minutes was exactly what you want to see from a leader. He was far more engaged in all aspects of the game.
The 28-year-old forward scored a goal in the second period, marking the fifth straight game he lit the lamp, and was consistently attacking the Philadelphia zone to create space for teammates.
Thompson has now recorded 30 points (17 goals and 13 assists) in 33 games, which is a great sign since he got off to a sluggish start. It puts him on pace for 42 goals. That would mark the third time in four seasons he's topped 40.
It's also allowing him to make a major statement as the Team USA Olympic decision-makers get set to pick the final roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics. As it stands, leaving the 6-foot-6 offensive dynamo at home could come back to haunt the Americans.
Sabres quick hits
- Rasmus Dahlin's ice time will probably increase even further with Timmins sidelined, so it's a great sign he's playing at a high level right now.
- Noah Ostlund getting sent to the minor leagues was Kevyn Adams' final travesty as general manager. He's been one of the Sabres' best players and, barring a sudden, sharp drop off in performance, he should never wear a Rochester Americans jersey again.
- Zach Benson was noticeable all night despite modest underlying numbers.
- Buffalo needs Kesselring, who's already been sidelined twice by injuries, to stay healthy for an extended stretch so he can start finding his game.
- Another underwhelming performance from Jordan Greenway. Jarmo Kekalainen should be trying to move the veteran forward.
- Alex Lyon was seemingly fighting the puck at times, but he did enough to keep the Sabres in the game until the offense finally came alive. Making him the goalie that leaves the roster, either via trade or the waiver wire, would be a mistake.
- Next up for Buffalo (15-14-4) is a visit from the New York Islanders (19-12-3) on Saturday (5 p.m. ET).