After a convincing win in Game 2 of the 2022 Prospects Challenge, the Buffalo Sabres square off against the Senators in Game 3.
The Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators prospects will see one another often in years to follow, and we will get a preview of that today at 1:30 as the two teams close out the 2022 Prospects Challenge.
On Saturday night, the Sabres took it to the New Jersey Devils, winning the game 7-4. It was a highlight reel night for many early-round draft picks for the Sabres, so are they in for an encore? Here are three prospects to watch in Monday’s matinee.
3 Buffalo Sabres prospects to watch – Jiri Kulich
Kulich was a surprise addition to the lineup on Saturday. Initially ruled out of the tournament because of a lower-body injury, the medical staff cleared the tenacious forward to play. He didn’t disappoint, with two assists and an empty-net goal.
Of all the prospects in the 2021 and 2022 draft classes not named Owen Power, Kulich has the best chance to play an extended period on the Sabres main roster at some point this season. Another strong showing today will help that cause.
Prospect #2 – Tomas Suchanek
On Saturday, Buffalo called Beck Warm’s number and he played well unless the Sabres let the Devils force their way into the net. Suchanek should emulate Warm’s performance today. He had an incredible run at the U-20 World Juniors for Czechia and he followed that up with a good showing on Thursday night.
Prospect #3 – Lukas Rousek
Rousek had an assist on Saturday night, driving one from behind the net to Ethan Ritchie, who did the rest. He also played a pivotal part in Isak Rosen’s goal later on. Rousek also had a good but not spectacular showing in Game 1 vs. the Canadiens, but he enjoyed an elite outing in Game 2, per coach Seth Appert. Expect Rousek to take the game over tonight.
Of course, I can’t end this article without mentioning everyone taking part in this tournament from the 2021 and 2022 Buffalo Sabres draft classes. The group highlighted Game 2, and another strong showing will further solidify the fact that the team’s prospect pool under Kevyn Adams is indeed one of the NHL’s best.