Bryson was optimistic about the possibility of suiting up against the Sharks.
"Yeah, I think there's a good chance," Bryson said. "We'll obviously see what happens in the morning, but there is obviously a good chance I could play tomorrow."
Prior to his injury, Bryson tallied one goal and five assists through his first 20 games.
Video: Saturday's Eye On Sabres Report
Here are more notes from Saturday's practice at LECOM Harborcenter.
1.Ilya Lyubushkin remained absent from practice. Lyubushkin sustained an injury after blocking a shot by Steven Stamkos late in the game against the Lightning on November 28.
Vinnie Hinostroza practiced but left the ice early. Granato said Hinostroza has been nursing an injury and is considered day to day.
Here's how the Sabres lined up during practice, with Bryson skating alongside Casey Fitzgerald in his return.
| December 3 |
| --- |
| LW | C | RW |
| 53 Jeff Skinner | 72 Tage Thompson | 89 Alex Tuch |
| 77 JJ Peterka | 24 Dylan Cozens | 22 Jack Quinn |
| 37 Casey Mittelstadt | 19 Peyton Krebs | 71 Victor Olofsson |
| 28 Zemgus Girgensons | 17 Tyson Jost | 21 Kyle Okposo |
| | 74 Rasmus Asplund | 29 Vinnie Hinostroza |
| LD | RD | G |
| 23 Mattias Samuelsson | 26 Rasmus Dahlin | 41 Craig Anderson |
| 25 Owen Power | 10 Henri Jokiharju | 1 Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen |
| 78 Jacob Bryson | 45 Casey Fitzgerald | |
| 20 Lawrence Pilut | | |
2. Mattias Samuelsson has averaged over 20 minutes of ice time since returning from injury on November 22 and scored his first NHL goal against the Red Wings on Wednesday.
Samuelsson has not only made a difference on the ice for the Sabres but has also been recognized for his impact off the ice, as well.
"He's just one of those personalities that's probably more comfortable around groups of people and a team atmosphere," Granato said. "…He's just got that personality, you see it in practice, you see it on the bench, and you hear it and feel it in the locker room. We all know he's a big piece of what we do here. That's a real intangible quality that he brings."
Video: Don Granato after Saturday's practice
3.JJ Peterka, Dylan Cozens, and Jack Quinn have continued to shine as a line since first coming together on November 12.
Cozens put together a three-point performance with one goal and two assists on Thursday night versus the Avalanche while Peterka added a goal and Quinn notched an assist.
All three are currently riding a three-game point streak.
At just 21 years old, Cozens has taken on more of a leadership role on his line and the bench this season.
"…They're dialed in when Cozens talks to them," Granato said. "Cozens helps us as coaches convey messages that we were conveying to Dylan a year ago or year and a half ago, and that speeds the progress too, having a guy like Dylan."
4. Over 60 kids from the Camp Good Days program filled the stands at practice to watch the team skate before joining Samuelsson, Cozens, Casey Mittelstadt, and Tage Thompson to decorate holiday ornaments, which will be sold to raise money for charity. Camp Good Days works to improve the quality of life for families affected by cancer.
Tweet from @BuffaloSabres: Sammy, Tommer, Cozey and Mitts joined kids from Camp Good Days after practice today to paint ornaments for the holiday season! 🎄 pic.twitter.com/PgjOhtcaCW
5.The Sabres welcome the Sharks to KeyBank Center on Sunday for Native American Heritage Night, presented by Seneca Resorts and Casinos.
The team will wear its black and red third jersey for the second time this season and will arrive wearing Native American Heritage Night T-shirts, which will be on sale at The Sabres Store and ShopOneBuffalo.com. Tickets are on sale now.
Click herefor more details on the night.
