It was all-hands-on-deck for the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday.
Before the team's game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena, three players - Rasmus Dahlin, Rasmus Asplund and Victor Olofsson - and five staff members - including assistant coach Matt Ellis - entered the NHL's COVID-19 protocol.
Buffalo's depth was already being pushed to the limit with eight players already out due to injuries and other COVID cases that surfaced before they flew out to Arizona.
So, the team started the game with 11 forwards, seven defensemen and no healthy scratches. In goal, Craig Anderson returned to the crease for the first time since November 2. Dustin Tokarski, in his first game November 29, served as the backup.
Anderson had missed 32 games with an upper-body injury while Tokarski was recovering from the effects of COVID.
The result?
Anderson made 27 saves on 28 shots to lead Buffalo to a 3-1 victory.
Peyton Krebs and Alex Tuch recorded a goal and an assist each, and Kyle Okposo also scored.
Shayne Gostisbehere tallied for the Coyotes while Karel Vejmelka stopped 32 shots.
Buffalo's power play was 1-for-3. The penalty kill finished 1-for-2.
At The Final Horn | Anderson returns, makes 27 saves in win over Coyotes
Krebs, Tuch each record goal, assist
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