The Buffalo Sabres 2021 and 2022 draft classes put on a remarkable showing in Game 2 against the New Jersey Devils prospects.
With six and a half minutes to go in the second period, Aleksandr Kisakov intercepted the puck, bolted down the ice, and left all five New Jersey Devils skaters in the rearview. As he approached the net, the Devils gained ground, and Kisakov, growing more comfortable with the speed of the game, flicked the puck past Jersey’s goaltender, Nico Daws, and into the net, giving the Buffalo Sabres prospects a 3-1 lead.
Kisakov was just one of four from the 2021 and 2022 draft classes to score in Game 2 of the 2022 Prospects Challenge. Matt Savoie, Jiri Kulich, and Isak Rosen also found twine, with Kulich further recording two assists.
Buffalo Sabres most recent draft classes headlining Prospects Challenge
Hockey, however, isn’t just a game of scoring goals and assists to measure performance, and when you watched Games 1 and 2, you saw several common denominators. Rosen and Kisakov, who played in Sweden and Russia, respectively, started slower out of the gate, but both have adjusted and made strides as the Prospects Challenge wore on.
Kisakov had a phenomenal look when he took a would-be assist from Savoie earlier in the contest, but didn’t get the shot off quick enough. His goal later in the contest made up for it.
Speaking of Savoie, he had little to no opportunities to score in Game 1 against the Montreal Canadiens. However, he constantly drew attention, forcing the Canadiens to account for him. The same occurred in Game 2, but a quicker Savoie found himself open on numerous occasions and it ended with an eventual goal.
Rosen also had plenty of opportunities in Game 1. His speed allowed teammates to call his number often, but he was at times too slow in making plays with the puck in Game 1, including a shot on goal the Canadiens goaltender easily blocked.
Throughout Game 1, Rosen adjusted and made a critical block in the game’s final moments to help win the game for the Sabres. In Game 2, Rosen did a remarkable job in attacking the net to put the Sabres up 4-2 midway through the third period.
We also cannot forget about Tyson Kozak, who put up two goals in Game 1, with an assist coming from defenseman Mats Lindgren for his first goal of the contest. Kozak didn’t score in Game 2, but he made several outstanding defensive plays.
Article Source: Postgame Takeaways | Rousek fuels big night for linemates Kulich, Rosen by Jourdon LaBarber