NHL teams slog without key pieces

STAR PLAYERS INJURED

JOHN WAWROW Steven Stamkos, Taylor Hall, Johnny Gaudreau and Jonathan Quick: the NHL’s injured-reserve list could ice its own all-star lineup.

If it seems the league’s top talent is sidelined a quarter into the season, you’re not mistaken. No more is that aching trend apparent than in Buffalo, where five key Sabres players are out, including top centres Jack Eichel and Ryan O’Reilly.

“I think the more injuries you have, obviously the harder it’s going to be,” said Sabres forward Evander Kane, who recently returned after missing 11 games with broken ribs. “But there’s no excuse. Nobody’s going to feel sorry for you.”

Lightning players had a similar lament upon learning Stamkos was expected to miss four months with a torn ligament in his right knee. “You can’t sit here and sulk,” forward Tyler Johnson said.

One concern raised is whether the NHL’s condensed schedule might be contributing to the rash of injuries. Players have less downtime in a season that began a week later because of the World Cup of Hockey, and also has the league squeezing in its all-star game and a five-day bye week that teams cannot enjoy until the second half of the season.

“I think we have to look at the schedule,” said Flames coach Glen Gulutzan. “As a coach, you’re not sure what day it is half the time, if it’s a game day or a non-game day. But it’s a lot of games back to back.”

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly disputed the notion that the league’s tightened schedule is leading to an increase in injuries.

“I certainly don’t think there is sufficient evidence that would suggest, much less demonstrate, that there has been a larger number of