The lack of scoring has been a concern for the Sabres early this season, and after losing two top-six forwards, many were hoping the rest of the team could just hold down the fort.
They’ve been able to salvage some points and string together a few wins, with much thanks to the goaltending of Robin Lehner. Still, Buffalo is struggling on the offensive end.
The Sabres will get one of those injured players back. Evander Kane, who suffered cracked ribs in the opener vs. the Montreal Canadiens, is expected to play tonight.
“Evander has been putting in a lot of work and he’s really progressed quite well,” Bylsma said. “He’s had four days now of some physical contact, some heavy contact. He skated here at home real hard and it’s a good possibility to see him here in the short future.”
Kane’s presence In the lineup could immediately help a Sabres team that sits in the bottom of the Atlantic Division, although not by much.
Jack Eichel is still weeks away from returning, but Kane’s return is a big plus that can help Buffalo get back on the right track.
“I don’t think anything is really healed when any player comes back, but it’s healed enough where I can play,” Kane said. “I’m sure there will be a little bit of pain throughout the course of the next couple of weeks, but it’s nothing that I haven’t dealt with before.”
Kanes has been equipped with special equipment to help protect his ribs.
The Sabres take on the Ottawa Senators tonight before a home and home set with New Jersey this weekend.