Injured Buffalo Sabres forward Thomas Vanek may not be out as long as originally expected, and could miss only a few days rather than weeks.
Coach Lindy Ruff said Wednesday that Vanek's upper body injury sustained in Tuesday's win over Detroit isn't as bad as first thought. Following the game, Ruff said Vanek would be out for "some time," referencing weeks as a timetable.
"He's actually feeling a lot better," Ruff said. "He's doing remarkably well."
Ruff added that he wasn't going to rule Vanek out for Buffalo's two games this weekend. The Sabres host the New York Islanders on Friday and Atlanta on Saturday.
Vanek, a two-time 40-goal scorer, did not return after scoring his second goal of the game in the second period against Detroit.