Coach Lindy Ruff made it clear that Thomas Vanek at 75 percent would not be good enough for the Sabres' playoff games against Boston. After watching the winger skate on his injured left ankle for the second straight day, observers figure Vanek isn't anywhere close to 75 percent.
Vanek, who said he felt OK, nonetheless looked more hesitant today on the HSBC Arena ice than he did during Wednesday's workout in TD Garden. It's hard to imagine he'll be ready for Friday's pivotal fifth game.
"It wasn't the biggest jump I was hoping for, but I felt pretty good," Vanek said. "I’ve got to be healthy enough to help the team, and we’ll make that assessment tomorrow.
"These things are slow. I felt good today. Hopefully, I’ll make another good step tomorrow."
---John Vogl
