Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff told reporters leading scorer Tage Thompson will not play Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Later, the Sabres learned top goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen also will be forced to miss the game because of a minor injury. James Reimer will start, while Felix Sandstrom will be called up from AHL Rochester to back up.
Defenceman Mattias Samuelsson was placed on IR to make room for Sandstrom.
Thompson was elbowed in the face by New Jersey Devils' Stefan Noesen during the third period of the Sabres' 4-3 win Sunday. Noesen was assessed a match penalty.
The 27-year-old Thompson scored the opening goal and added a pair of assists before leaving the game. Ruff said in his post-game availability that Thompson "passed all the tests."
Thompson leads the Sabres with 26 goals and 48 points in 47 games this season.
The Sabres reportedly held a team meeting Monday to address why they did not challenge the Devils on the ice after Thompson was injured.
"What happened last game won't happen again," said Alex Tuch, according to Sabres reporter Lance Lysowski.
The Sabres (21-26-5) are last in the Eastern Conference but have won three straight games.
The Blue Jackets (26-20-7) hold the second wild-card spot in the East and have three wins in their past five games.
COMMENTS
When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.