Score: Sabres 3 | Devils 4 (OT)
Shots: Sabres 32 | Devils 40
Sabres Goals: Riley Sheahan (2), Casey Mittelstadt (1) (PPG), and Sam Reinhart (7) (PPG)
Devils Goals: Jesper Bratt (1), Miles Wood (6) (PPG), Nico Hischier (1), and Pavel Zacha (5) (GWG-OT)
Minus – 1 | Eichel Injury
Well, things got worse for the Buffalo Sabres before puck drop tonight. Jack Eichel was held out of the morning skate for maintenance and took the warmup. However, he ended up being a late scratch.
After the game, Krueger indicated it was something that came up during warmups that caused him to be out. When he was pressed a little to clarify if he re-aggravated an existing injury he stumbled a little bit. Krueger basically said that a lot of players are going through things right now, but then landed back on this is was a new one tonight.
Remember, Krueger told the media on Monday night that everyone, besides Toby Rieder, was 100% healthy when he was asked if Eichel was nursing an injury. So, that’s why this one is a little odd.
If Eichel is going to miss any time here the Sabres are in a world of trouble and that may be the final nail in their coffin for this season.
Minus – 2 | Ullmark Injury
Believe it or not, things went from bad to worse during the game. After making an incredible save in the first period, Ullmark hunched over in discomfort. He was looked at by trainers and stayed in the game.
Well, after the first period it was Carter Hutton that was in goal to start the second. After the game, Krueger stated he didn’t know the severity of the injury until tomorrow when they get back some pictures and some more analysis on it. Didn’t sound promising, but we’ll see.
Hutton entered the game and gave up all four goals on the night. The Sabres didn’t make his night easy, but he looked shaky throughout. Again, a long-term Ullmark injury would be a huge blow.
Plus – 1 | Casey Mittelstadt
To take some positive out of this game, Casey Mittelstadt had another strong performance. He has looked good in his last four games dating back to before the Covid-19 pause.
He has embraced that role as a middle-six, checking winger. It feels as though he’s gaining confidence every game. He made a nice play on the power play to set up Kyle Okposo and then just seconds later scored a goal. It was his first since November of 2019.
While it may not be the role we all expected, but if he can fit into this spot in the lineup that’s good they’ll be able to get something out of him moving forward.