3 winners from the Buffalo Sabres vs. Capitals – Preseason

The Buffalo Sabres preseason officially began today against the Washington Capitals. Here are three players whose stock just rose. 

The Buffalo Sabres defeated the Washington Capitals in 4-3 in OT. And while we predictably did not see most big name players with it being so early in preseason, the Sabres got to establish a baseline for their lower-end players and presumptive prospects.

So who played well enough to show that they are already ahead of the curve and proving they should get a longer look in camp? Here were the three Sabres players and prospects that stood out more than any other.

3 Buffalo Sabres whose stock: Player #1 – Dylan Cozens

While Cozens was supposed to produce in a game like this, he still exceeded expectations, logging two points and five shots on goal. He was all over the ice during his near 20 minutes of playing time, and also got physical with a pair of hits.

Always a tenacious one, Cozens was one of the few players in today’s game that will be a shoo-in to make the active roster. I currently have him listed on the third line center, with an outside chance he moves up to the second.

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Player #2 – Chase Priskie

Last week, I said Kale Clague could be a surprise candidate to make the opening day roster. However, Priskie stole the show in this one. He logged an assist and took advantage of good looks at the net with four shots on goal. He also had a nose for the puck on defense, logging two blocks.

Casey Fitzgerald was another defenseman who impressed me, but when you look at the overall numbers and experience levels, Priskie outplayed Fitzgerald. While today’s contest won’t put him in the lead to be the extra skater on the Buffalo Sabres defensive rotation, he did do himself plenty of favors.

Player #3 – Tyson Kozak

Kozak enjoyed arguably the best game among Buffalo Sabres forwards not named Dylan Cozens. While Jack Quinn also impressed me, Kozak has a much lesser chance to make the active roster. And while I still don’t see it happening, Kozak is at least making the case to stick around.

In this contest, Kozak scored once while simultaneously enjoying a sound defensive outing. He converted one or two shots on goal, tallied two hits, and even recorded a block. A sound game overall for a kid who saw just over 13 minutes of ice time.

(Statistics provided by Sabres.com)