Two or less

Pretty poor game i thought from the Sabres. UPL has become the whooping boy from tonight but im not sure anybody actually stepped up in this game. Ryan Johnson played alright at times, i thought Power struggled, Rousek was alright in a few shifts, Cozens looked next level some shifts and poor in other times.... the Leafs outshot the Sabres tonight 41-15.

Nice unselfish play by Kozak at the end for the empty net goal.

What is up with all the split-squad preseason games where teams play 2 games in one night? Has the baseball spring training vibes. When did that become a thing?

I've seen JJP, Biro, Benson and Johnson get a lot of praise on twitter today from this game, but just wanted to make a post about Riley Stillman, i thought he had a excellent game. He was physical but didn't chase any hits. He absolutely destroyed Sonny Milano in the corner, and then had another big hit. I thought last season Stillman chased a hit, something like Risto would do, and get himself out of position then have to get back in a frenzy and sometimes would commit a penalty. Defensively i thought he was solid all night too. Only preseason, but encouraging from Stillman imo.

Crazy, this guy just can't seem to help himself. You'd think the junior team programs would gravitate more towards teachers of the game and good communicators rather then authoritarians.

Only time in my life i boycott the Sabres was under Krueger. They were playing the Devils and game was in OT. Dahlin passed it to Hall, it was a 2 on 1 and Hall just shoots it down the ice, meanwhile Dahlin and Curtis Lazar chase after it and lose it. Team went from a 2 on 1 with 2 skilled players to giving the puck away. I hated Krueger with a passion, thought he was a fraud. I turned the game off right there and then. Didnt even watch the rest of it. My friend said wtf its overtime. I said i'll never watch again until Krueger is gone. They lost like 10 or 11 straight after that and then the notification came on my phone he was fired. My expectations for Granato were low since he was Ralph's assistant and i didnt know too much about him at that time, i still ended my boycott and began watching again. Wasn't long til Granato grew on me and i began hoping they make him permanent coach. Been a hell of a ride. Only time in their existence i stopped watching games.

Not for nothing but you missed some of the best times in franchise history since you've been gone lol Jokes aside, welcome back. Go Sabres!

im back. Thank you!

Yeah i agree. And everybody knows all the assets the Sabres have so it makes it sound realistic. This time a year ago the Sabres were linked with Jason Robertson (via kevin weekes if i recall) and then during the season it was Timo Meier. Now it's Zegras. That said, one of these times it'll be true.

Definitely not Owen Power. One of Benson/Savoie/Kulich would be a start, first round pick, UPL and something else im guessing.

https://www.tvasports.ca/2023/09/20/trevor-zegras--les-sabres-dans-le-portrait Apparently this report by TVA Sports claims the Sabres checked in with the Ducks about Trevor Zegras.

They can't possibly keep 3 goalies again. I agree- Metsa is a interesting player. Captain of the NCAA champions. Really hope they get him signed.

This story is just weird.

yup, i agree.

I know this isn't what you were asking (i already put my input in) but in the hockey news fantasy guide magazine, they ask the panel for their sleeper pick for the NHL season and Ryan Kennedy selected Jiri Kulich. Everyone else said a player with NHL games under their belts like Byfield or Connor Brown.

The comparison Mike Weber once used on Sabres live for Kozak was a center version of Adam Mair. Kid is super strong, tough to play against, good forechecker, penalty killer, win important faceoffs, can handle himself, and can put up some offensive numbers 2 goals, 3 assists in 14 playoff games. Also, Kozak had a slow start last season because he was battling some injuries early on.

Very cool interview. Thanks for sharing. Was fun listening and getting that perspective. None of the local shows ever get that kind of view into the operations like this.

Tyson Kozak. He'll be in Buffalo at some point this season. Peca raved about him last season. Energy guy, plays with grit, can score, plays hard every shift, draws penalties, will be a very solid 4th liner. He'll get a look this season. He started last season banged up and but once he got going he was one of the more reliable players on the Amerks down the stretch. I was at prospects tournament on Friday night and he was outstanding again.

The interview they had with Tim Connolly about a week ago as well was excellent. Highly recommended.

My takeaway from today: Benson is fantastic. Really solid playmaker who threads difficult passes. Also super focused on his defensive game. Was always back in the d-zone…often back before the dman. Almost always broke up the play. Standouts to me: Novikov (just a bully on the puck with offensive instinct), Neuchev (skill for days), Kisakov (really good movement and finishing) Richard (big boy who can skate and shoot), Berndtsson (scored a few).

Ostland isn't here to play. He just came to get checked out by Sabres doctors and is hanging out to see the culture in Rochester and met teammates. Isn't even on the ice.

Good point. I didn't realize they were so thin at forward. Biro is out for the season btw. That would be interesting to see Nadeau get some playing time.

Not sure if you're talking about this season still or next, regardless i doubt Nadeau plays unless theres a bunch of injuries. And Östlund isn't here to play, forgot where i read it, probably Lance, they have Östlund here to check out the facilities, meet the team and coaches and sell him on the culture they have.

Core 5- Dahlin Power Thompson Cozens Tuch