Casey Mittelstadt left the ice early this morning. ©2019, Hickling Images

Sabres’ Casey Mittelstadt game-time decision for Islanders

BUFFALO – Sabres center Casey Mittelstadt suffered a “little bang” and is game-time decision for tonight’s tilt against the New York Islanders, coach Phil Housley said.

If Mittelstadt can’t play, another rookie, winger C.J. Smith, will move in. Mittelstadt left the ice a little early this morning.

Update: A lower-body injury will force Mittelstadt to miss tonight’s game.

Having compiled two goals and seven points over the last 10 games, Mittelstadt, 20, is enjoying the most productive stretch of his short NHL career.

In other news, a lower-body injury will sideline Sabres defenseman Zach Bogosian for the second straight contest, meaning Matt Hunwick will play again.

Hunwick, 33, has played only four times this season. He has only played back-to-back games once.

Why has Housley chosen Hunwick over defenseman Nathan Beaulieu, who has played only four of the last 22 games.

“I just liked Hunwick’s game against Columbus (on Jan. 29),” Housley said inside KeyBank Center. “It was a game we made some changes coming off the break. I thought he had a strong game against Winnipeg (on Sunday).”

Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark will start again, his fifth nod in the last seven games.

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