BUFFALO – Sabres winger Thomas Vanek will miss tonight’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs after taking a shot off the hip Tuesday.
Interim Sabres coach Ron Rolston said Vanek is simply too sore to play.
“He’s better today,” Rolston said this morning inside the First Niagara Center. “He feels actually good. He’s starting the process. So we’re hoping to get him on the ice tomorrow.”
Vanek could play Saturday in Montreal.
Christian Ehrhoff’s hard point blast hit Vanek early in the Sabres’ 3-2 overtime win in Montreal.
Nathan Gerbe or John Scott will replace Vanek. The Leafs showcased a rough style, so Scott, a tough guy, could return after three straight scratches.
Vanek has a team-best 14 goals and 31 points in 27 games this season. This will be the fourth contest he has missed to injury.
The Austrian has 22 goals and 47 points in 47 career games against the Leafs.
Update: Scott will play tonight.
Related: Sabres’ Vanek questionable for Leafs; Sekera likely out
