Thumb surgery to sideline Sabres D McCabe 3-4 weeks
The Buffalo Sabres will be without defenseman Jake McCabe for three to four weeks following thumb surgery.
McCabe had surgery Wednesday after suffering the thumb injury in a collision with the Anaheim Ducks' Ryan Getzlaf in the first period of the Sabres' overtime loss Tuesday. McCabe returned to play one shift in the second period but missed the remainder of the game after that.
McCabe had played in all 53 of the Sabres' games this season, averaging 19:30 of ice time. He has three goals and nine assists.
In McCabe's absence, 25-year-old defender Casey Nelson, who was recalled to Buffalo last month, is expected to see more time playing alongside Marco Scandella.
"I just like the way he's moving the puck and defending," Sabres coach Phil Housley said of Nelson. "He's trying to keep the game simple. His first pass is usually really good and on the tape. ... He's trying to keep his inside position, especially against bigger players."
Rasmus Ristolainen, Scandella's blue-line partner most of this season, will play Thursday against the New York Islanders alongside Nathan Beaulieu.
Fellow defenders Josh Gorges and Victor Antipin, who were both healthy scratches Tuesday, are expected to dress against the Islanders.
--Field Level Media
