Thomas Vanek Returns Following Three-Game Absence

Vanek will play tonight although he is not expected to flank the top line according to Paul Hamilton of WGR 550, via Twitter. For the team’s projected lines, click here.

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UPDATE 2/9/12: Thomas Vanek practiced with the team today and took part in line rushes which is a great sign. The sniper apparently feels good and expects to play tomorrow against the Dallas Stars according to the team’s official Twitter account. Stay tuned for a confirmation on his status.

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UPDATE 2/7/12: Thomas Vanek may be getting back into the lineup shortly according to the team’s official Twitter account. The sniper was officially ruled out of Wednesday’s contest against the Boston Bruins but could play either Friday against the Dallas Stars or Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Check back for a further update on his status as the weekend approaches.

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UPDATE 1/31/12: According to John Vogl of The Buffalo News, via Twitter, Vanek will miss at least a week due to this injury.

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Thomas Vanek left tonight’s game with an upper-body injury and will not return according to the team’s official Twitter account. The Buffalo Sabres’ leading goal scorer registered only 4:47 of ice time before leaving the contest.

Vanek has been battling injuries for most of the season but managed to grit through his various ailments. You can argue that he has been playing through pain as the sniper has only one goal and one assist in 2012. You can probably go a step further and assume that his All-Star snub was a result of his health.

Nevertheless, losing a player of his caliber will hurt the injury-plagued Sabres. Stay tuned for a further update on his status.