Sabres' Ryan O'Reilly: Likely out Thursday

O'Reilly (abdomen) isn't expected to play Thursday against Tampa Bay, Bill Hoppe of the Times Herald reports.

Analysis:

This is terrible news for Buffalo, as the Sabres have now lost five consecutive games, and will likely once again be without their second-leading scorer in a tough home matchup with a hot Lightning team allowing an average of 2.56 goals per game on the road this season, 10th in the NHL. O'Reilly should be considered doubtful for Thursday's contest, but the Sabres will likely provide confirmation on his status ahead of puck drop.