Buffalo Sabres Kyle Okposo has left the game against the Washington Capitals Thursday night after being struck in the head with the puck.
Injury update: Kyle Okposo will not return to tonight’s game.
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) April 16, 2021
The forward was apparently hit in the ear with a hard dump-in attempt from teammate Matt Irwin in the second period.
He had to be helped off of the ice. The Sabres later confirmed that the 32-year-old would not be return to the game.
Kyle Okposo takes a shoot in to the ear. #LetsGoBuffalo #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/eIfvgx8FPz
— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) April 15, 2021
Sabres Kyle Okposo Leaves Game Due to Nasty Ear Injury
Okposo Health Concerns
Besides the injury tonight, Okposo has had a troubled past when it comes to injuries. Throughout his career he has sustained multiple concussions and has suffered from concussion symptoms on and off this season.
Okposo has already missed time this season with a concussion following a fight with New York Rangers castaway Anthony DeAngelo.
That concussion was the latest in a string for Okposo, who missed the last two weeks of the 2019-20 season due to head injuries. He spent almost a week in the hospital following a routine hit in practice. He also missed three games in March last season after being hit by the Ottawa Senators Bobby Ryan.
What it Means for Buffalo
Okposo will likely join a long list of Buffalo injuries. Currently, captain Jack Eichel who hasn’t played since April 7th will miss the rest of the season due to a neck injury injury. Buffalo’s starter Linus Ullmark left their game on Tuesday due to injury and did not dress for tonights game. Longer-term injuries include Zemgus Girgensons and Jake McCabe, who are also both going to miss the remainder of the season alongside captain Eichel.
The Sabres are in a windfall season that is not getting any better. They currently have a 10-25-7 record and sit in last place with 27 points. Which puts them only five points behind the rebuilding Ottawa Senators.
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