Connolly's return in doubt

[Philagape]

Much of the optimism generated from Buffalo Sabres center Tim Connolly's return to the ice in late January is on the verge of getting dashed by the lingering stress fracture in his right leg. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said Connolly still is experiencing pain and is not ready to skate again, but wouldn't rule out seeing the playmaking center this season.

"It takes a toll on everything," Ruff said after this morning's practice in HSBC Arena. "We were progressing nicely with him from monitoring heart rates to recovery rates and everything else. He was coming along nice. This has definitely slowed that procedure down.

"If and when we do get him back, it may not be that we get him to where we wanted to get him, but he still may be an effective player, whether it's a special-teams player or a limited-ice time situation."

http://www.buffalonews.com/111/story/28323.html

[SABuffalo786]

Re: Connolly's return in doubt

Not surprised. See you next year.

[BlackMetalNinja]

Re: Connolly's return in doubt

Um, his return has been in doubt for me since last year against Ottawa in the playoffs... I'll be surprised if we ever see him on the ice playing for Buffalo again.

[THATHURMANATOR]

Re: Connolly's return in doubt

This guy is starting to seem like a pussy. Suck it up Tim come on.

[Michael82]

Re: Connolly's return in doubt

[camelcowboy]

Re: Connolly's return in doubt

It was a mistake not shelving him for the year.

[Mitchy moo]

Re: Connolly's return in doubt

He is not going to be a sabre next season, we paid him $2M to wait to feel better. Enjoy the money and retirement.

[Ebenezer]

Re: Connolly's return in doubt

$3 mil not used against the salary cap...DR has too much of a woody for this guy.

[THATHURMANATOR]

Re: Connolly's return in doubt

In all honesty I am fairly confident he will play in the playoffs this year. Just not the first round probably.

[Mitchy moo]

Re: Connolly's return in doubt

In all honesty I am fairly confident he will play in the playoffs this year. Just not the first round probably.

Sure, he'll have severe Rosacea - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia by then and have to sit 4 more months.

[Michael82]

Re: Connolly's return in doubt

$3 mil not used against the salary cap...DR has too much of a woody for this guy.

Agreed. What a waste. If we shelved him, maybe we could have afforded a good defensemen that this team desperately needs.

[JD]

Re: Connolly's return in doubt

Connolly, the LaFontaine of the new NHL Sabres

[GThirst]

Re: Connolly's return in doubt

Ugh, this really hurts. Connolly was so, so very good. I was watching highlights of the playoffs and saw the hit on him. Up until then he was incredibly dominant and it really makes me wonder what kind of team we would be with him in the line up.

Oh, and the Roy-Drury-Grier line was awesome. I'm thinking Roy-Drury-Zubrus this year! But Van-Roy-Max is great...sometimes. What a streaky line. Maybe if Vanek decides to try again sometime. Hopefully Max stays consistently in the line up.

[THATHURMANATOR]

Re: Connolly's return in doubt

Maybe if Vanek decides to try again sometime. .

WTF are you talking about? While Vanek hasnt scored much lately he has been playing VERY well.

[GThirst]

Re: Connolly's return in doubt

WTF are you talking about? While Vanek hasnt scored much lately he has been playing VERY well.

...no he hasn't.

He had a turnover inside our own zone that directly lead to a goal. On top of that, he has yet to show any hustle in a few games.