Sabres’ Numminen expects to return for Game 5 (espn.com)
BUFFALO, N.Y. – Injured Sabres defenseman Teppo Numminen expects to return for Game 5 on Sunday against the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference final.
Numminen was hopeful after spending 30 minutes skating Saturday, saying it was his strongest session since hurting his groin in the first period of Game 1 of the series May 20.
“It’s the first time the leg feels strong, I could kick with it. Yeah, it feels better,” Numminen said.
“We’re getting closer,” Numminen said. “We just have to see how it reacts now and hopefully it gets even better.”
Numminen’s return would be a welcome one for the Sabres, who were down three regular defenseman in a 4-0 loss to Carolina on Friday. The win allowed the Hurricanes to even the series at 2.
Besides Numminen, who has been Buffalo’s most reliable defenseman, the team is also down Henrik Tallinder, who’s out for the playoffs after breaking his left arm in Game 3 on Wednesday, and Dmitri Kalinin, who is still a week to 10 days away because of an ankle injury.
The news isn’t as good for center Tim Connolly, who’s missed seven games with a concussion. Coach Lindy Ruff said Saturday he doesn’t expect Connolly to play against Carolina.
That’s a switch after Ruff said before the start of the series that he anticipated the play-making center would make his return in the East final.
Numminen is a 17-year NHL veteran, who is noted for his efficient play and adept at setting up the Sabres’ transition style.