McCabe sustained his injury during the team's game in Columbus on Saturday, limiting his second-period ice time to 3:23 before he returned to skate 7:15 in the third. He had skated 20-plus minutes in each of his three games prior, including a season-high 23:04 against Montreal last Thursday.
With that opportunity came production. He's scored at least a point in five of his last six games, with a goal and six assists over that span. His average of .64 points per game is triple his career average coming into this season (.22).
"You're more involved with the game," McCabe said of the uptick in ice time. "Every game brings on a different scenario, whether it's penalty kills, power plays, and each guy has their roles. But bottom line, the more you get out there, you're feeling the puck a little bit more, you're just more engaged out there."
McCabe was also an instrumental part of a penalty kill that is 12-for-12 in its last four games, averaging 2:10 of shorthanded ice time per outing.
"I think we're working in unison of four and guys are blocking shots," he said. "We're pressuring in the right areas and our goaltenders are making huge save after huge save. And we're not giving up a ton of second opportunities if they do have a good chance in front. I think we're doing a good job of clearing sticks and not allowing that second opportunity."
The Sabres were 5-for-5 on the penalty kill against Calgary in McCabe's absence, with Johan Larsson clocking in at 6:44 of shorthanded ice time.
"I think we work really well as a unit out there and we're well-prepared," Larsson said. "We've got key blocks and key saves at the right moments."
Coverage of Buffalo's game in Ottawa on Thursday begins at 7 p.m. on MSG-B with the GMC Game Night Pregame Show. You can also listen live on WGR 550. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30.
