The Buffalo Sabres announced that defenceman Zach Bogosian is sidelined day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Head coach Phil Housley said there’s no further update at this time.
Do not see Zach Bogosian on the ice for this morning’s practice. He did not play in the third period last night.
— Joe Yerdon (@JoeYerdon) March 13, 2019
Zach Bogosian Injured
The Massena, New York native did not play in the third period of Tuesday’s 2-0 loss to the Dallas Stars. Buffalo struggled in that period without him.
So far this season, Bogosian has scored 3 goals and 14 assists for 17 points to go along with 48 minutes in penalties. His possession numbers were 48.9 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of -0.1.
Over his 10-year NHL career, Bogosian has played for the Atlanta Thrashers which became the Winnipeg Jets and the Buffalo Sabres. He has 52 goals and 135 assists for 187 career points in 612 career games. He was originally drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 1st round, 3rd overall in the 2008 NHL draft.
Zach Bogosian not on the Sabres bench and has not taken a shift in the third period.
— Joe Yerdon (@JoeYerdon) March 13, 2019
What This Means for the Future
With Bogosian injured it means that Casey Nelson will be slotted into the lineup to take his spot. Nelson was slotted in with Scandella at practice today. It may also mean that Rasmus Dahlin gets more playing time, but you can never be sure with head coach Phil Housley.
The Sabres are out of the playoffs, but losing Bogosian doesn’t help. He has had injury issues throughout his career and especially while in Buffalo playing in just 18 games last season.
Bogosian was also having his best season playing alongside Dahlin so his confidence may take a hit as once again he finds himself on the injury report this season. Buffalo will miss out on his grit and toughness. That has been something that has been seriously lacking from this team.
Buffalo will also miss him on the penalty kill and the power play as he was a big component to both of those lines. When given a chance, Nelson showed that is a competent defender at times so hopefully, he or someone else can fill Bogosian’s shoes.
Buffalo’s next game is against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 07: Corey Crawford #50 of the Chicago Blackhawks makes a save against Zach Bogosian #4 of the Buffalo Sabres as Patrick Kane #88 defends at the United Center on March 07, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Sabres 5-4 in a shootout. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
