Three injured Buffalo Sabres players cleared to return to action
The Buffalo Sabres got some good news on Wednesday when left-winger Thomas Vanek informed them that he would be ready in time to play in Sabres’ season opener on Friday night, October
8, against the Ottawa Senators.
Vanek returned to practice and stated that he was ready to return to action. It was his first time back on the ice after suffering a head injury during an exhibition against Montreal on
September 30, which Buffalo won by a score of 5-3.
The Austrian-born forward, who is known for his superb offensive skills, saw his production drop off a bit last season. He scored 28 goals and 25 assists for a total of 53 points in 71
games, after having back-to-back 64-point campaigns. Vanek’s best career totals to date came in the 2006-07 season, where he scored 43 goals and 41 assists for 84 points in 82 games.
Buffalo received more good news when defenceman Craig Rivet and backup goaltender Patrick Lalime announced that they would also be ready for the season opener. Rivet, who also serves as
the Sabres’ captain, received clearance to return. He sustained a neck injury during a practice session on September 24, and missed the team’s pre-season games as a result.
The native of North Bay, Ontario played in 78 games for the Sabres last season, despite a tear in his double labrum. He had suffered the injury in 2008-09, but continued to soldier on
for his team. Rivet recorded a single goal and 14 assists for 15 points last season.
Lalime, who was signed by Buffalo on July 1, 2008, is in the final year of a two-year contract. He ran up a 16-4-8-2 record last season, along with a .907 save percentage and a 2.91 goals
against average.
After having a relatively successful pre-season, the Sabres are hoping that that success follows them into the regular season. With very few changes made to their roster, the team hopes
to win a Stanley Cup in their 40th anniversary campaign.
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