3 Buffalo Sabres looking prove their worth against Columbus

There are heated battles going on throughout Buffalo Sabres training camp. So much that the some big names must prove their worth tonight. 

The Buffalo Sabres have looked good ever since development camp back in July, and that trend has continued into training camp and the preseason. There have been some impressive performances already, and they will put the more popular players in the organization on notice.

At goaltender, Malcolm Subban compiled a highlight reel in his 12-12 performance last night while Craig Anderson played younger than his age suggests. The latter allowed just one goal and it came on one of several instances where the defensive rotation let Philadelphia’s skaters get behind them. That said, Eric Comrie should be feeling some pressure.

Ilya Lyubushkin and Lawrence Pilut impressed and they could be the Sabres third pairing when the puck drops on October 13th. This means defensemen like Jacob Bryson and Casey Fitzgerald need momentous outings tonight to keep pace.

Players like Brandon Biro and Linus Weissbach have put the organization on notice, forcing favorites to make the roster like J.J. Peterka to up their respective game. Let’s describe each of the aforementioned players’ situations in depth.

Will Eric Comrie keep pace with Buffalo Sabres goaltenders?

The Buffalo Sabres have seen remarkable performances from all three goalies who recorded playing time in the preseason. They also signed Comrie with the intent of placing him either at the top or the backup goaltender position on the depth chart.

Given Subban’s perfect performance and Anderson’s near-flawless outing, Comrie needs to have a big game tonight. No, preseason games don’t count, but for Comrie, every shot on goal will. If he hopes to keep pace with Subban and Anderson, Comrie needs a perfect outing. Anything less will put him in danger of falling behind the eight-ball.

Will Jacob Bryson match Pilut’s and Lyubushkin’s production?

Lawrence Pilut and Ilya Lyubushkin looked like a phenomenal pairing in Tuesday’s win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Lyubushkin showed two-way flashes, which was surprising as we know him more for his stay-at-home mentality and overall physical play.

Pilut appeared in the first two preseason games and logged two points against the Washington Capitals while he made plays and took advantage of opportunities every time he skated onto the ice against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Jacob Bryson was a so-so player last season for the Buffalo Sabres who made leaps in his defensive play. However, Pilut and Lyubushkin hold the edge in experience. And given their chemistry last night, Bryson will need an outstanding game to keep pace.

Can J.J. Peterka show he’s a top prospect for the lower lines?

One month ago, I would have said Peterka is a shoo-in to make the opening night roster. One month later, I’m saying the same thing if his play can match the likes of Linus Weissbach, Brandon Biro, and Lukas Rousek.

Chances are, Peterka will outplay the aforementioned trio. But if he shows lackluster performances, there is an outside chance the organization could look elsewhere and place one of the AHL’s brightest stars from last season back in Rochester.

Weissbach, Biro, and Rousek set a standard over the first two preseason games. You can also add Tyson Kozak to the list given his performance against the Washington Capitals.

Competition brings out the best and pushes us beyond our perceived limits. If Peterka takes on that mentality tonight, he will move one step closer to securing a spot on the Buffalo Sabres main roster.

If he has a flat performance, he will need to show more as camp progresses. Peterka is the favorite to land a roster spot over Weissbach, Biro, Rousek, and Kozak, but that doesn’t mean anyone will hand it to him.

(Statistics provided by Sabres.com and Hockey-Reference)