The Buffalo Sabres lost a tough one last night at KeyBank Center against the Carolina Hurricanes, 4-1.

The Hurricanes are the second best team in the NHL, behind the Boston Bruins, but some might argue the Hurricanes are better than the Bruins. They're 9-0-1 in their last 10 games and the Sabres were coming off a five-game road trip, so the first game back home sometimes is bad.

Get our free mobile app

The Sabres are still one point out of a playoff spot and have three games in hand on the Washington Capitals, who hold the other wild card spot (four points out).

We're now at the NHL All-Star break but the Sabres may have the last injury they could afford to have right now.

Tage Thompson left last night's game with an upper body injury and did not return. Thompson will not be attending the All-Star game and was replaced by Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, who will attend his second straight All-Star game.

There's a silver lining here with hope the injury isn't a long-term one, according to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff. It is bad enough for him to forego the All-Star game.

Thompson is on pace for well over 50 goals and over 100 points. It was obvious he didn't look like himself last night. He was nursing the injury before last night's game and it finally became bad enough for him to have to leave midway through.

The Sabres have been very fortunate to not have many man-games lost this season. Goaltender Erie Comrie has been the only long-term injury for the team and hopefully, Thompson can be back soon.

Top 10 Most Underrated Buffalo Sabres of All-Time

Buffalo Sabres Goalie Masks

Take a look at some amazing Goalie Masks in Buffalo Sabres history.

Buffalo Sabres Captains Since 2000

More From 104.5 THE TEAM