There’s a lot going around the NHL and hockey world, and so much to talk about! Hoping to start this new weekly mini-series to highlight some of the happenings around the league & hockey world that you may have missed, including a few fun Sabres tidbits.
Let’s get started.
First, a quick Amerks update. The Amerks split their season-opening weekend, dropping a 4-3 overtime decision to Bridgeport before snagging an impressive 5-4 overtime win over Toronto. Both games, the Amerks found themselves in a hole & managed to dig out, but Saturday’s game was much more noteworthy. Rochester was down 4-1 at the second intermission but came back, and Jiri Kulich scored the game-winner against the division rival Marlies. Isak Rosén, Ryan Johnson and Kulich each have three points.
If you’ve got a spare 20 minutes, check out this piece from ESPN and Emily Kaplan on Tage Thompson. Diehard Sabres fans may not learn anything new, but it’s a great video highlighting Thompson’s upbringing, his childhood and ascent to the NHL – and to the player (and person) he is today.
The Sabres have added a few new elements to their gameday presentation, including the introduction of a big drum to pump up the crowd pre-game. Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills was on it during the home opener, while our old (young) friend Craig Anderson took the helm on Tuesday night.
Also new this season is the introduction of a Rick Jeanneret audio clip in the arena after a Sabres goal. It’s a very nice touch to not only honor the legendary RJ, but also connect today’s fans to the team’s history. It’s enough to send a chill down your spine, that’s for sure. (Next, can we get them to play RJ’s infamous ‘AND BUFFALO WINS IT… IN O-O-O-VERTIME’ call after an overtime win? Please?)
The Montreal Canadiens have announced that forward Kirby Dach will miss the rest of the season.
Dach suffered tears in both his ACL and MCL in his right knee & will undergo surgery. It’s a big loss for the Habs, and always such a shame to see any player go down this early in the season. The injuries happened on an innocent-enough looking play, as Jarred Tinordi slammed Dach into the boards in front of the bench, but it just goes to show that anything can happen.
The Dach-less Canadiens come to Buffalo for their first meeting with the Sabres on Monday.
In other injury news, Nashville’s Luke Schenn will miss 4-6 weeks, Minnesota’s Matt Boldy is week-to-week and Los Angeles’ Gabe Vilardi left Tuesday’s game with an injury.
Meanwhile, in New Jersey, the Devils have some local hardcore bands playing during intermission on the concourse at Prudential Center.
Finally – be advised, you WILL laugh out loud at the newest Sabres’ social media video.