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Sabres’ Vanek expects to play Saturday

Buffalo Sabres v Toronto Maple Leafs

TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 21: Thomas Vanek #26 of the Buffalo Sabres shoots during warmup before NHL action at the Air Canada Centre January 21, 2013 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Abelimages/Getty Images)

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Thomas Vanek thought he was in big trouble when Christian Ehrhoff’s shot hit him right on the hip bone Tuesday.

Turns out he’ll only end up missing one game, last night’s 5-4 shootout victory over the Leafs.

The Sabres’ leading scorer said today that, barring a setback, he expects to be back in the lineup Saturday in Montreal.

“I got hit on the bone, and it just kind of froze me for two days,” Vanek said, per the Buffalo News. “I couldn’t move, couldn’t do anything. Late last night it felt a little better, and this morning I woke up and had most of my motion back. I felt pretty good skating.”

Vanek will return to a team that’s still in tough to make the playoffs, but also one that’s put together a modest two-game winning streak.

The Sabres are four points out of a playoff spot with 17 games left to close the gap.

Related: Miller, Vanek, Pominville aren’t untouchable