Mattias Samuelsson remained absent from the Buffalo Sabres’ practice at KeyBank Center on Friday due to an illness and is not expected to play against the Seattle Kraken on Saturday, coach Lindy Ruff said.

FINAL | Sabres 4 - Hurricanes 2 Lindy Ruff addresses the media Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen addresses the media Dylan Cozens addresses the media Ryan McLeod addresses the media The Sabres conclude their three-game homestand Friday versus the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tickets are available here.

However, if there’s one thing that actually has gone right this season, it would be Jason Zucker‘s play ... Both Dylan Cozens and Mattias Samuelsson were named alternate captains before the season but haven’t lived up to the honor in the slightest.

The Sabres did not make changes to their first line, as it once again was made up of Jason Zucker, Dylan Cozens, and Tage Thompson. However, the second line had a new look, as Ryan McLeod jumped up to the second-line center role, with JJ Peterka and Alex Tuch as his wingers.

Gilbert has played in 14 games for the Sabres this season, posting one assist and a minus-1 rating. His average ice time is 10:33 per game and he's collected 36 hits and 11 blocked shots.

The Sabres are still in last place in the Eastern Conference and currently sit nine points out of a playoff spot.

The Buffalo Sabres have needed Ryan McLeod to step up because Jiri Kulich is out week-to-week with a lower-body injury. McLeod has done just that in the last two games with his overall play.