Buffalo Sabres winger Zach Benson left Monday’s 5-3 win over the Florida Panthers with an upper-body injury after crashing hard into the end boards 5:01 into the third period.
Sabres coach Lindy Ruff told reporters in Florida following the game that Benson, who appeared to hurt his left shoulder, was being evaluated and they will see how he feels Tuesday.
The Sabres close their two-game road trip Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Benson, 20, was injured when he zoomed down the slot and tripped over goalie Sergei Bobrovsky’s stick as he tried to backhand the puck in the net.
After crashing into the boards, he stayed on the ice in pain. He was attended to by the trainer before heading to the dressing room.
Benson returned for one shift minutes later but departed the game again.
Zach Benson gets tripped up by Bobrovsky’s stick and slams into the boards. He needed help getting off and went back to the room#LetsGoBuffalo #Sabrehood #TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/oRgnna2QnT
— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) February 3, 2026