The Buffalo Sabres held a team meeting Monday to address their lack of response to the hit that sidelined forward Tage Thompson, head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed Tuesday.
Thompson suffered a high hit from New Jersey Devils winger Stefan Noesen in the third period of Buffalo’s 4-3 win on Sunday. He stayed down on the ice for several moments but is listed as day-to-day. While he will miss Tuesday’s game against Columbus, Ruff expects him back soon.
Instead of practice Monday, the Sabres held discussions Ruff described as productive. “It’s about growing together,” he said.
Dylan Cozens also spoke about defending teammates, saying “We have each other’s back. Next time, it’ll be different.” Alex Tuch echoed the sentiment, vowing, “What happened last game won’t happen again.”
Noesen received a match penalty, triggering an automatic league review, but avoided further discipline, which surprised Ruff. “I don’t think that was an accidental play,” he said.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].