The Buffalo Sabers could be without their first six goaltenders when they face off against the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday.
After Aaron Dell was suspended three games for his vicious gesture to Drake Batherson a few days ago, Michael Houser’s name was placed on the National Hockey League’s COVID-19 protocol ( NHL), Friday.
The problem? The Sabers were already dealing with the long-term absence of Malcolm Subban and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen due to injuries. Thus, Craig Anderson, who has not played since November, and Dustin Tokarski, who still has symptoms related to the coronavirus, will accompany the team to Arizona.
“Craig [Anderson] and [Dustin] Tokarski are suffering from injuries that no one knows about except themselves, head coach Don Granato said Thursday. Their state of health is assessed daily because of this.”
The Sabers are currently sixth in the Atlantic Division, three points ahead of the Ottawa Senators and in seventh place. All six goaltenders mentioned have played at least two NHL games this season, with Tokarski the busiest with 14 games.
“They’re in the same situation, the medical team will let them play when they feel comfortable,” Granato said of Tokarski and Anderson on Friday. They haven’t had the chance to train a lot with shooting and physical play.
In addition, the Quebec hope of the Sabers Devon Levi, acquired by trade last summer, will be one of the three goalkeepers solicited by the Canadian team during the Beijing Olympics.