Sabres vs. Utah Hockey Club – December 7, 2024: Injured Players, Inactives, and Latest News
As the Buffalo Sabres head into their matchup with the Utah Hockey Club on December 7, 2024, both teams face challenges related to injuries, inactives, and lineup decisions. With key players missing from both rosters, fans are eager to see how the teams adapt and who steps up in the absence of their stars. Below, we’ll break down the current state of injuries, inactive players, and provide the latest news on both teams leading into the game.
Buffalo Sabres Injury Report & Inactives
The Sabres have shown impressive resilience this season despite facing some key injury concerns. With several key players on the sidelines, Buffalo’s depth will be tested in this matchup against Utah.
1. Tage Thompson (Injured)
- Injury: Upper body injury
- Status: Day-to-day (likely out for 1-2 weeks)
Tage Thompson, Buffalo’s leading goal scorer, has been dealing with an upper body injury that has kept him out of the lineup in recent games. Thompson’s absence is a significant blow for the Sabres, as he has been a primary offensive contributor, posting 12 goals and 8 assists through the first part of the season. Buffalo will miss his scoring touch and size on the ice.
2. Rasmus Dahlin (Injured)
- Injury: Lower body injury
- Status: Week-to-week (out indefinitely)
The Sabres’ top defenseman, Rasmus Dahlin, is dealing with a lower body injury. While the team has not provided specific details, the injury is expected to sideline him for at least a few weeks. Dahlin has been instrumental in both the defensive zone and in moving the puck up the ice, contributing to Buffalo’s offensive flow from the back end. His absence is a major blow, particularly against a physical team like Utah.
3. Victor Olofsson (Injured)
- Injury: Ankle injury
- Status: Game-time decision
Victor Olofsson, a consistent presence on Buffalo’s power play, has been dealing with an ankle injury that has limited his practice time. His status for tonight’s game is uncertain, with the team listing him as a game-time decision. Olofsson’s ability to finish on the power play and contribute in the offensive zone would be a big loss if he is unavailable.
4. Mattias Samuelsson (Injured)
- Injury: Lower body injury
- Status: Out indefinitely
A stay-at-home defenseman, Mattias Samuelsson is known for his physical play and shot-blocking ability. His absence leaves a void in the Sabres’ defensive corps, particularly in terms of shutting down opposing forwards in high-pressure situations. The Sabres’ blue line depth will be tested, and the team will likely lean on other defensemen like Owen Power and Henri Jokiharju to step up in Samuelsson’s absence.
5. Eric Comrie (Injured)
- Injury: Upper body injury (Concussion)
- Status: Out (indefinite)
Buffalo’s backup goaltender, Eric Comrie, has been sidelined due to a concussion sustained in a recent practice. With Comrie out, the Sabres’ goaltending depth has been tested, leaving them to rely heavily on starter Devin Levi. Levi, who has shown flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency, will need to continue his development to provide stability for Buffalo in the crease.
6. Jordan Greenway (Injured)
- Injury: Upper body injury
- Status: Expected to return soon (day-to-day)
Greenway, the physical winger, has been dealing with an upper body injury but is expected to return soon. The Sabres are hopeful he will be available for the game against Utah, as his size and physicality are key assets, especially against a team with as much physical presence as the Utah Hockey Club.
Utah Hockey Club Injury Report & Inactives
The Utah Hockey Club has been dealing with its own set of injury challenges, and their lineup will be significantly impacted by the status of a few key players. Their injury concerns have made it difficult to maintain consistency, but they have been able to call upon their depth to keep competing.
1. Jason Zucker (Injured)
- Injury: Lower body injury
- Status: Out indefinitely
Utah’s star winger, Jason Zucker, has been sidelined with a lower body injury. Zucker is one of the club’s most consistent scorers and a key player on their power play unit. His injury has significantly impacted Utah’s offensive output, as they have struggled to replace his production. With no set timeline for his return, the team will need to rely on secondary scoring.
2. Jakob Chychrun (Injured)
- Injury: Knee injury
- Status: Week-to-week
Jakob Chychrun, Utah’s top defenseman, is recovering from a knee injury. While Chychrun is one of the best two-way defenders in the league, his absence has left a noticeable hole in the team’s defensive zone. His physicality and ability to contribute offensively are crucial for the Hockey Club’s success, and his return will be eagerly awaited.
3. Thomas Chabot (Injured)
- Injury: Upper body injury
- Status: Game-time decision
Chabot is a key player on Utah’s blue line, and his status for tonight’s game remains in question. The team has listed him as a game-time decision, but Chabot has been dealing with an upper body injury. His ability to log heavy minutes and shut down opposing players is vital, and his potential absence would force other defensemen to play bigger roles.
4. Matthew Tkachuk (Injured)
- Injury: Upper body injury
- Status: Day-to-day
Tkachuk, known for his physical style of play and leadership, has been dealing with an upper body injury. He has been skating in recent practices, but his participation in tonight’s game is uncertain. Tkachuk is an emotional leader for the Utah Hockey Club, and his presence on the ice is always felt. His return would provide a significant boost, especially in terms of leadership and grit.
5. Connor Hellebuyck (Injured)
- Injury: Groin injury
- Status: Out (week-to-week)
Connor Hellebuyck, one of the league’s premier goaltenders, is sidelined with a groin injury. Hellebuyck’s absence has placed significant pressure on Utah’s backup, who has shown inconsistency at times. The Hockey Club will need their backup goaltender to step up and deliver strong performances in Hellebuyck’s absence, as they are currently fighting for playoff positioning.
6. Morgan Rielly (Injured)
- Injury: Foot injury
- Status: Expected to return soon (day-to-day)
Rielly, a seasoned defenseman known for his mobility and offensive upside, is dealing with a foot injury. While he is expected to return soon, his availability for tonight’s game remains uncertain. His presence would provide a much-needed boost to Utah’s defense, particularly in the transition game.
Recent Team News: Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres have been navigating a tough stretch recently, with a 3-6-1 record in their last 10 games. Despite the injuries, there have been some positive takeaways from the team’s recent play. Key contributors like Alex Tuch, Dylan Cozens, and Owen Power have stepped up to fill the void left by the injured players.
Devin Levi has been playing better of late, though his inconsistency continues to be a concern for Buffalo. The Sabres are still hopeful that their young netminder can find his groove and establish himself as a reliable starter in the NHL.
Coach Don Granato has emphasized the importance of depth scoring in recent press conferences, noting that with their top stars missing, other players will need to step up. Players like Casey Mittelstadt and Jack Quinn will be crucial in ensuring the Sabres can generate enough offense to stay competitive.
Recent Team News: Utah Hockey Club
The Utah Hockey Club has been battling through a rough patch as well, but their strong depth has allowed them to stay competitive in the Western Conference. With a 5-5-0 record in their last 10 games, Utah has shown resilience in the face of adversity.
The injury to Jason Zucker has been particularly difficult for Utah, as he had been one of their most consistent performers in the early part of the season. However, the team’s leadership core, including players like Matthew Tkachuk and Mark Scheifele, has done well to keep the team in contention.
Goaltending remains the biggest concern for Utah. With Connor Hellebuyck out, the backup has shown moments of brilliance but has also struggled with consistency. The Hockey Club is relying on their defensemen like Jakob Chychrun and Thomas Chabot to help stabilize things in the defensive zone and reduce the strain on their goaltender.
Key Matchup – Sabres vs. Utah Hockey Club
Tonight’s game promises to be a battle of depth versus star power. With both teams dealing with significant injuries, it will be interesting to see which team can step up and seize the opportunity. Buffalo’s offense will need to find a way to generate scoring chances without their top goal scorer, Tage Thompson, while Utah will be hoping for contributions from players like Mark Scheifele, who can step up in Zucker’s absence.
Both teams will also be looking for their goaltenders to steal the show.
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