CHICAGO — Luca Sbisa stayed patient, even though he appeared ready to return to the Golden Knights’ lineup a week ago.
With the team playing so well during its recent eight-game winning streak, the veteran defenseman understood coach Gerard Gallant’s reluctance to make a lineup change.
Finally, he was back on the ice Friday after missing the past nine games with a lower-body injury after getting hurt Dec. 12 against Carolina. Sbisa was in the lineup for the Knights’ game against the Chicago Blackhawks, with Jon Merrill going on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury.
“It took longer than expected, but with the team playing so well, there was no need for me to rush back,” Sbisa said before the game.