Sabres recall Gilbert as Zellweger goes on IR before Columbus opener
Dennis Gilbert comes up from Rochester as Buffalo prepares for Louis Crevier’s debut and an expected Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen start.
What's newBuffalo recalled Dennis Gilbert from Rochester and placed Olen Zellweger on injured reserve.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to start for the Buffalo Sabres at the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday, Oct. 1. The season opener at Nationwide Arena begins at 7 p.m. ET.
Luukkonen left Buffalo’s final preseason game on Sept. 26 with a lower-body issue. He took part fully in Tuesday’s practice, and the Sabres said his exit from the exhibition had been precautionary.
Buffalo expects Luukkonen and Colten Ellis to be its two active goaltenders Thursday. Alex Lyon remains day to day with an upper-body injury, according to the club’s game-day preview.
Defenceman Louis Crevier is also expected to make his Sabres debut. He practised alongside Owen Power on Wednesday. Coach Lindy Ruff praised his defensive play and puck decisions during the preseason.
Buffalo placed defenceman Olen Zellweger on injured reserve Thursday while he remains in concussion protocol after being injured Sept. 22. Ruff has not ruled him out for Saturday’s home opener against Chicago.
The Sabres recalled defenceman Dennis Gilbert from the Rochester Americans on Thursday morning in case Mattias Samuelsson cannot play. Samuelsson returned to practice Wednesday and could play Thursday if he has no setback. He injured his lower body while blocking a shot in a Sept. 22 preseason game and had been listed as week to week.
MSG carries Thursday’s game in the Sabres’ broadcast market, with pregame coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m.
