Sharks Bench Justin Bailey Against His Hometown Buffalo Sabres

San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn confirmed that he benched Justin Bailey in the second period of today's game against the Buffalo Sabres.

San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn confirmed that he benched Justin Bailey in the second period of today's game against the Buffalo Sabres. 

"[If] he's going to stay in the National Hockey League, he's going to have to be way more physical than he was tonight. That's for sure," Quinn told THN postgame. 

Bailey finished with 8:47 TOI. He was -2 and did not record a shot on goal. 

Bailey played 41 seconds in the second period. He likely wouldn't have gotten a shift, but No. 1 center Tomas Hertl left the game for the final 8:47 of the second. Hertl was able to return for the third. Bailey had five shifts in the third period. 

Quinn confirmed that he was benched as a result of the two goals the Sabres scored at the end of the first period. 

On JJ Peterka's first goal of the game, Bailey can be seen floating in the defensive zone. He is late to pick up his defensive assignment and then doesn't recognize the open man on the far side of the net when the puck comes across. 

On the Sabres' second goal, Bailey loses two board battles to opponents he should've beaten. Bailey is listed at 6'4, 215 lbs. He lost a battle to Casey Mittelstadt, who is listed at 6'1, 195 lbs, and Alex Tuch. Tuch is listed as the same size as Bailey.

"You gotta win that battle," Quinn said.

Bailey is a Buffalo native and was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2013 NHL Draft by his hometown, Sabres. Bailey has played 27 games in the NHL this season and could be subject to getting sent down to the AHL as the Sharks continue to get healthier. 

Kevin Labanc was the only other healthy scratched forward in tonight's game. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

Sharks Back Mukhamadullin After NHL Debut; Compared to Doughty & Heiskanen

Peterka Scores Twice Spoiling Mukhamadullin's NHL Debut; Sabres Beat Sharks 5-2

Sharks Director of Player Development Gives His Assessment of Will Smith

Grier Opens Up About Player Development; Talks Sharks Prospects; Disappointment In Barracuda Season

Sharks Goaltender Shares Funny Encounter With Fellow NHLer

Mike Grier Gives Insight Into Sharks Upcoming Trade Deadline Plan & Rebuild Status