Sabres' Ryan O'Reilly: Won't play Thursday

O'Reilly's injury has been reclassified as an oblique problem and he's at about 70 percent health right now, ruling him out of Thursday night's contest against the Lightning, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports.

Analysis:

At this point, there hasn't been an official timetable given for O'Reilly's return. This will be his third game out of the lineup since aggravating the injury against the Devils on Nov. 11, so the Sabres might choose to take their time and make sure he's at 100 percent before he returns to the ice. Look for Sam Reinhart and Johan Larsson to step up while O'Reilly remains out.