The Buffalo Sabres are finally starting to get healthy as their season approaches the one-third mark. Defensemen Dmitry Kulikov and Josh Gorges and Nicolas Deslauriers all practiced yesterday ahead of tonight’s home game against the Washington Capitals.
Kulikov has been training with his teammates for a few days now, and could play tonight for the first time since November 9th when he aggravated a mid-body injury that he had sustained earlier in the pre-season. In the twelve games he has played so far, he is still yet to register a point and has six shots on goal with a -4 rating.
Gorges was injured a week ago blocking a shot with his foot against the New York Rangers, and his quick return to the ice is a surprise considering he was diagnosed with a fracture, with Head Coach Dan Byslma saying he was week-to-week.
The return of the two blueliners could spell the end of Brendan Guhle’s time up in Buffalo, for now. The youngster has played well in three games so far, and has been enjoying his emergency recall. He will then return to the Prince George Cougars in the WHL.
De-Lo has been out since October 29 with a knee injury, and yesterday was his first time back on the ice which could mean some conditioning time will be required for the forward. He also has no points in seven games played.