Here’s a roundup of lineup and injury updates from around the NHL, providing the latest news on player conditions and team strategies as the season unfolds.
Injury Updates and Team Strategies
Buffalo Sabres
Josh Norris is currently being evaluated for an upper-body injury and is not expected to play Saturday against the Boston Bruins at 7 p.m. ET. The forward sustained this injury in the third period of Thursday’s season-opening 4-0 loss to the New York Rangers. The Sabres reported that this injury is a new issue that resembles the oblique injury he faced last season. Additionally, Zach Benson will also miss Saturday’s game after being hospitalized due to complications from a puck to the face during practice on Wednesday. Fortunately, the team is optimistic about his return as early as midweek, with plans for him to resume skating soon. In light of these injuries, forward Josh Dunne has been recalled from AHL Rochester to bolster the team. Defenseman Owen Power, who missed Thursday’s game due to illness, will travel to Boston and is a potential player for Saturday’s lineup.
New York Rangers
Vincent Trocheck left Thursday’s 4-0 victory over the Sabres with an upper-body injury and did not return for the remainder of the game. Trocheck, who recorded an assist and won seven of 11 face-offs in just 7:48 of ice time, is under evaluation with updates expected before their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday. The team did not practice on Friday, leaving fans eager for news.
Boston Bruins
In the Bruins’ 4-3 overtime win against the Chicago Blackhawks, Hampus Lindholm sustained a lower-body injury during the first period and did not return for the rest of the game. The team has indicated that the injury is minor and unrelated to any previous issues, stating that holding him out was a precautionary measure.
Florida Panthers
Dmitry Kulikov did not participate in the third period of Thursday’s 2-1 win against the Philadelphia Flyers due to an upper-body injury. There have been no updates on his condition as the Panthers prepare to host the Ottawa Senators on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.
Chicago Blackhawks
Jason Dickinson also did not play in the third period of the Blackhawks’ 4-3 overtime loss to the Bruins. He won four of seven face-offs in 8:25 of ice time before he had to leave the game. The team is still evaluating his status, and further updates are anticipated as they move forward.
Stay tuned for more updates as teams navigate the challenges of injuries and strategize for upcoming matchups in the NHL season.