Logan Stanley Questionable for Game 6 as Sabres Eye Bruins
logan stanley is questionable for Game 6 against the Boston Bruins on Friday night because of an illness. Buffalo is preparing for another chance to eliminate Boston in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but its blue line could still shift before puck drop.
Lindy Ruff Watches Stanley
Lindy Ruff said Stanley’s condition had improved over the past 24 hours, but he still did not skate on Thursday. The coach added, “That will be evaluated” and then laid out the concern more plainly: “Obviously, didn't skate today. He was worse yesterday, better today. But then you're missing a couple days and you haven't eaten. We're going to have to judge where the energy level is, too.”
That leaves Buffalo with a simple task and a narrow margin. If Stanley cannot go, the Sabres must sort out a replacement on defense before they face the Bruins again.
Buffalo's Third Pair
Michael Kesselring skated alongside Conor Timmins on Buffalo’s third pair at practice, which made him the first obvious option to step in. Kesselring has already dealt with a high-ankle sprain dating back to training camp, and his season line shows the stop-start nature of his year: 34 appearances, no goals and two assists.
He is not the only reserve Ruff can turn to. Zach Metsa and Luke Schenn are the other main blue-line options mentioned, while Radim Mrtka, Ryan Johnson and Vsevolod Komarov were added to the roster as part of the Black Aces group for extra depth.
Bruins Series Pressure
Buffalo’s timing is the issue. The Sabres have a second chance to eliminate Boston in Game 6, so every change on the back end carries immediate weight for a team that may need a fresh pairing on short notice. If Stanley’s energy level does not hold up, Ruff has already shown where the next look likely starts.
Kesselring’s presence with Timmins gives Buffalo a workable fallback, and the rest of the reserve list gives Ruff a few more bodies if the illness lingers. Friday night will decide whether Stanley stays in, but the Sabres are already lining up the alternatives.
