Prior to serving his three-game suspension over the past week, it had been nearly two full years since Rasmus Ristolainen had missed an NHL game. Needless to say for a guy who prides himself on playing big minutes, the time off felt unfamiliar.
"I got good rest," he said. "I worked out well, a good couple of practices and ready to go. It felt like a month."
As much as he disliked having to take the time off, Ristolainen did admit the rest did him well. He said he feels "fresh" as he prepares to make his return to the lineup against the Islanders on Sunday, joining a defensive corps that has managed itself well in his absence.
"I think collectively as a team we played a better all-around game," defenseman Josh Gorges said. "I think our forwards did an unbelievable job these last few games with hunting down loose pucks on the forecheck, keeping pucks in the offensive zone, which means we do less work … and then when it came to us, I think we really just tried to keep the game simple, we tried to keep our shifts short, get everyone involved and just rolled."
The Sabres only have five games remaining this season, but Ristolainen said he's still looking to make the most of them.
"I hope to play my best games this year," Ristolainen said, "and like I said I feel fresh so I'm looking forward to it."