The Buffalo Sabres appeared to lose their top goal scorer in gruesome fashion Saturday, but he made a seemingly miraculous recovery.

Jeff Skinner was back on the ice to start the third period after leaving the Sabres' afternoon tilt against the Washington Capitals early in the second frame.

He was unable to put weight on his left leg after being tripped by Capitals forward Carl Hagelin and had to be assisted off the ice.

The 26-year-old winger was immediately helped to the dressing room and Hagelin was assessed a two-minute minor for tripping.

Skinner entered Saturday's action tied for third in the NHL with 36 goals. Buffalo acquired him from the Carolina Hurricanes for prospect Cliff Pu and three draft picks this past summer.

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