Sabres Face Challenges on Road Trip, Missing Key Players

BUFFALO, New York – The Buffalo Sabres are gearing up for a tough test as they begin a four-game road trip, starting with a match against the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday. The Sabres, still seeking their first road victory at 0-3-2, are doing so without several key players, including captain Rasmus Dahlin.

“I’ve been in these situations before, where it’s like the chips are down, and those are the times you have to be at your best,” said Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon. He emphasized the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. The team lost their previous game 6-3 against Carolina on Saturday.

The puck is set to drop at 9 p.m. EST at Delta Center, where the Sabres aim to improve their road record against a Mammoth squad that has lost three straight games since their last meeting. Buffalo narrowly lost that encounter 2-1 in overtime on Nov. 4.

The Sabres are also grappling with the absence of five forwards: Josh Norris, Justin Danforth, Zach Benson, Jiri Kulich, and Jason Zucker. Dahlin is currently on personal leave in Sweden as his fiancée recovers from heart surgery. Coach Lindy Ruff stated there’s no timetable for Dahlin’s return but assured that the team fully supports him during this challenging time.

In his absence, Jacob Bryson will join the lineup. Meanwhile, rookie players Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring, who were traded from Utah in the summer, will get to play against their former team. “Playing them in Buffalo was cool, but I think tomorrow in Delta (Center) will be really special,” Kesselring said.

As they prepare for the Mammoth, the Sabres focus on improving their road performance. “We just have to get better at playing on the road,” Lyon added. “Your details just have to be that much better.” With the stakes high and their roster thinned, the Sabres are determined to push through these challenges and secure a needed win.