Veteran stalwart Jay McKee did not travel with the Sabres to Carolina, leaving the team potentially down four regular defensemen for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference final on Thursday.
"Jay McKee is sick and not with the team in Raleigh," team spokesman Michael Gilbert told the Associated Press Thursday morning.
Coach Lindy Ruff will provide an update following the morning skate, Gilbert said.
If McKee can't play, it would leave the Sabres down four regular defensemen for Game 7.
McKee is the team's top shot-blocker and best defensive player. He was a force in Buffalo's 2-1 overtime victory on Tuesday. He logged more than 26 minutes of ice time -- third most on the team -- was credited with five checks and blocked three shots.
Teppo Numminen (hip flexor) had a setback after being limited to playing only 4:13 in Game 6. It had been Numminen's first game back after missing four with the injury.
Buffalo is also down Henrik Tallinder (broken left arm) and Dmitri Kalinin (ankle).
"Jay McKee is sick and not with the team in Raleigh," team spokesman Michael Gilbert told the Associated Press Thursday morning.
Coach Lindy Ruff will provide an update following the morning skate, Gilbert said.
If McKee can't play, it would leave the Sabres down four regular defensemen for Game 7.
McKee is the team's top shot-blocker and best defensive player. He was a force in Buffalo's 2-1 overtime victory on Tuesday. He logged more than 26 minutes of ice time -- third most on the team -- was credited with five checks and blocked three shots.
Teppo Numminen (hip flexor) had a setback after being limited to playing only 4:13 in Game 6. It had been Numminen's first game back after missing four with the injury.
Buffalo is also down Henrik Tallinder (broken left arm) and Dmitri Kalinin (ankle).
