While they've lost Kane, it appears safe to look forward to another injured forward returning to the lineup in Edmonton on Sunday. Kyle Okposo, who has been rehabbing a bruised knee, participated in a full practice and said he expects to make his Sabres debut against the Oilers.
Okposo sustained his injury in practice last Monday when a hard shot caught him in his knee bone. His knee, he said, "was about the size of a beach ball." It's progressed well, but as hard as it was to sit and watch on opening night, Okposo said he'd rather try to play 81 games than re-injury it and play less.
"You have to calm your mind down and just remember that it's a long season," Okposo said. "It's something that I've kind of learned over the years, is that these things can stick with you and affect your game. I didn't want any lingering effects."
Defenseman Dmitry Kulikov, who also missed the game against Montreal with a lower-body bruise, participated in a full practice as well, but remains uncertain about his availability Sunday evening.
Eichel, meanwhile, spoke to the media for the first time since sustaining a high-ankle sprain in practice and has preached the importance of patience in recovering from his first serious injury. Bylsma said that he has still made his presence felt in recent days despite not being on the ice.
"He was in much better spirits in the team meeting and still wants to be a part of it, even given the injury and the extent of it," Bylsma said.
Okposo believes that it will be important for him to not try and do too much when he joins a lineup that is currently playing without two top-six forwards in Kane and Eichel. Bylsma said the same for the rest of his team. Rather than trying to replace Eichel's skill or Kane's physical, fast-paced style of play, his wish for his players is that they maximize their efforts within the confines of their own games.
