Tage Thompson and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will not be in uniform when the Buffalo Sabers host the St. Louis Blues at KeyBank Center on Thursday (7:30 p.m. ET; HULU, ESPN+).
“Both are fine, but they won’t play,” said coach Lindy Ruff.
Thompson (lower body) was not on the ice for Thursday morning’s optional practice. The forward made just one appearance on the ice at the start of the second period in the 7-5 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Monday before retreating to the locker room. He has 11 goals in 16 games this season.
Luukkonen (undisclosed) made a brief appearance on the ice Thursday and took a few shots before leaving. He did not practice on Wednesday.
“’Upie’ had a good day today,” Ruff said. If it’s not Saturday, I expect him to be ready for the next game. »
Devon Levi should therefore get the start against the Blues. The Sabers claimed veteran James Reimer via waivers (Anaheim Ducks) on Wednesday.
Reimer agreed to terms with Buffalo on a one-year contract on July 2, but was claimed off waivers by the Ducks before the season began on October 7.
