McCabe: Ristolainen details show “how serious this virus really is”
BY: JOURDON LABARBER/Sabres.com —
Rasmus Ristolainen detailed his experience with COVID-19 to Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat, revealing harsh symptoms including chest pains and low oxygen levels. The defenseman is still working his way back into playing shape and is not expected to join the Sabres on their current road trip.
McCabe said he and Ristolainen texted while they both dealt with the virus, though McCabe’s symptoms only lasted for roughly five days.
“It just goes to show how crazy and serious this virus really is,” McCabe said. “Risto’s probably the fittest guy on our team. For him to battle like this, it’s very tough and unfortunate. But knowing Risto, he’s going to be just fine and he’ll be back here hopefully soon.”
McCabe has appeared in two games since returning from the COVID-related absence list and said he has been pleasantly surprised by his stamina.
“I didn’t really know what to expect, frankly, in that first game,” he said. “I felt really solid. In the second period, I had a couple longer shifts that I felt my legs were getting pretty tired. But all in all, I’ve been feeling much better than I anticipated. So that’s been a real positive. It just continues to get better and better every day. But these first couple games I felt really good.”
(NHL.com photo)
