The Buffalo Sabres are looking to continue their recent success in the second game of their four-game road swing against Utah Hockey Club on Thursday. The Sabres are beginning a stretch of three games in four nights against Central Division foes, two of which are battling for Western Conference wildcard spots.

The Sabres will once again be without centers Josh Norris and Jiri Kulich. Norris has missed the last two games with an unspecified mid-body injury that has been lingering since before the trade with Ottawa on March 7. Kulich is still in concussion protocol after leaving the game against Vegas after a hit from Brett Howden of the Golden Knights.

Other Sabres Stories

Is Peterka In Prime Position For Big Payday?

Sabres Ownership Ranked Worst In NHL By Survey In The Athletic

Dahlin Refutes Assertion Of Wanting Out Of Buffalo

“Norris is progressing slowly, and (Kulich) I don’t have a definitive update.” Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said on Wednesday. “He’s still not ready to join us.”

The club took the morning skate at the Delta Center for the first time on Thursday, familiarizing themselves with the boards and sightlines of a new rink, after which Ruff confirmed that winger JJ Peterka’s return to the lineup after missing three games with a lower-body injury.

“Offensively, we’ve been missing some of that dynamic playability, especially on entries and on the rush,” Ruff said. “We know what (JJ) can bring, and he’ll be a welcome addition.”

Youngster Zach Benson was not on the ice on Thursday and will not be in the lineup because of illness. Brett Murray will take his place in the lineup. Ruff also said that newcomer Jacob Bernard-Docker could see his first action as a Sabre this weekend when the club plays back-to-back against Minnesota on Saturday and Winnipeg on Sunday.

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo