The Buffalo Sabres made a strong impression in Game 1 of the preseason, with the first roster featuring younger players and prospects.
Tyson Kozak and Chase Priskie impressed in Game 1, a 4-3 OT win for the Buffalo Sabres over the Washington Capitals. Kozak, who scored four goals in the Prospects Challenge, found twine once more in this one, further showing he deserves a long look before his inevitable return to the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks.
I thought Kale Clague was going to be the defenseman to watch in camp this year, but Priskie changed that narrative for at least a game. Every time he hit the ice, Priskie seemed to make plays, logging a point, four shots on goal, and two blocks.
But Kozak and Priskie weren’t the only prospects who caught my eye. There were three more who, although they didn’t log the best performances against Washington, showed enough to be worth watching throughout training camp.
Three Buffalo Sabres to watch as camp continues: Jiri Kulich
Kulich impressed us in development camp, the IIHF World Juniors, and the Prospects Challenge. Multiple times, he showed he can physically hang with NHL-caliber talent, but he also showed in the first preseason game that he needs seasoning.
And that’s okay. The kid is 18 and figures to become what J.J. Peterka was for Rochester last year. He also showed creativity under pressure in yesterday’s contest, giving teammates chances to find twine.
Player #2 – Lukas Rousek
When you watched the Prospects Challenge, Rousek seemed to be all over the forecheck. One way to garner the coaching staff’s attention is to translate that ability from the Prospects Challenge to preseason. Rousek did that yesterday and he continues to be one of the more tenacious players on the ice.
He also showed sound passing ability that will also give him a longer look in camp this season. Like Kulich, he will end up in Rochester, but Rousek is slowly building an identity for himself as a pro hockey player.
Player #3 – Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Say what you will about Luukkonen’s statistics: 24 for 27, 0.889 save percentage. However, Luukkonen moved well and made highlight-reel saves in over 60 minutes of ice time. He also finished the game 20 for 22 for a 0.909 save percentage at even strength.
While it’s tough to judge performances after just one game, Luukkonen’s initial impressions are that he has improved from last season. He also performed well in the clutch to help the Sabres secure their comeback win.
Article Source: Observations: Jack Quinn sparks rally, Sabres win preseason opener in OT by Lance Lysowski