Preseason Game #6
Buffalo Sabres (3-2-0) vs Pittsburgh Penguins (3-1-1)
Puck Drop: 7:00 PM Eastern Time | PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh
TV: MSG (Pittsburgh feed) No ESPN+ but apparently on NHL Network
Radio: WGR 550
Jordan Greenway, Alex Tuch and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen all came into training camp hurting or still recovering from off season issues. Over the course of five games and many practices, the Sabres have lost a boat load more. In no particular order, Bo Byram, Owen Power, Zach Benson (illness), Mattias Samuelsson, Michael Kesselring and now Luukkonen again have suffered setbacks. (And don’t forget Noah Östlund with the Amerks, he will miss several weeks) Thankfully, none appear to be long-term serious and at least half of all these names will be ready by the season opener. (Byram, Tuch, Benson, Power) But Kesselring’s status might be in question. Head coach Lindy Ruff stated that his return for October 9th with the Rangers is not certain. Luukkonen might be a wait and see scenario. It could be a few days, a week, might be much more. Greenway is skating but he will need several practices to be declared ready to go. Samuelsson has suddenly been upgraded by Ruff and is expected to play against the Rags. He is ahead of his recovery schedule. That makes five of the eight that should be ready to go.
Moving on now to the game. After a questionable showing against Pittsburgh’s B team in Buffalo on Wednesday, the Sabres will face a more formidable lineup tonight against the Pens. A better team effort and a victory would be nice to close out the preseason. But getting through this game without further injury setbacks might be a better goal. The Sabres will have five full days before their home opener to rest up after this tilt with Pittsburgh.
Here is the lineup:
Tonight’s roster
Forwards: Justin Danforth, Josh Doan, Mason Geertsen, Tyson Kozak, Peyton Krebs, Jiri Kulich, Beck Malenstyn, Ryan McLeod, Josh Norris, Jack Quinn, Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, Jason Zucker
Defensemen: Jacob Bryson, Bowen Byram, Ryan Johnson, Vsevolod Komarov, Radim Mrtka, Conor Timmins
Goalies: Alex Lyon, Alexandar Georgiev
No Dahlin and a very young D tonight. Lyon looks to start and play the entire game. Also, one of those forwards should be scratched. Could be a lower tier player or maybe the Sabres will rest Thompson or Tuch.
Standouts for me this preseason (who have not departed for Rochester already, see you next year Konsta) are led by Josh Norris. He has been aces on the draw, he is scoring goals and is very noticeable on the ice. His dominance in the face-off circle has led to goals he wasn’t even in on. Also, Josh’s linemate Tage looks ready to take a run at 50 this year. He’s in midseason form, getting his chances and finding the back of the net. Finally, we get to Rasmus Dahlin, who continues to do Dahlin things. He is steady and consistent, all business, with occasional spectacular moments thrown in.
I’ve liked Benson’s play as well, he has been hustling and helping in many aspects of the game. Also, Josh Doan has been a factor. Picking up some points and being a physical presence out there. He also scored a beauty of a goal.
As the Sabres inch towards opening night, a better effort is expected against Pittsburgh. A win would go a long way in aiding this team’s eternal fragile confidence as they gear up for the regular season. At the same time, any more injuries will add to their seeming fragility. They are banged up as it is. I feel it’s been a run of bad luck for Buffalo more than anything else. Hopefully things begin to balance out soon.