3 things that jumped out in Buffalo Sabres Game 2 win vs. Devils

The Buffalo Sabres took Game 2 over the New Jersey Devils in what was yet another strong showing from the league’s best prospects pool. 

The Buffalo Sabres have outscored their opponents 10-5 across two games so far in the 2023 Prospects Challenge. In Game 1 vs. Montreal, the Blue and Gold took a while to get going, but they got the sticks moving and ended up winning 6-3.

In Game 2, the Sabres dominated from start to finish, beating a talented pool of New Jersey Devils prospects 4-2 in a game where their opponents tacked on their second goal in “garbage time.” It was an impressive showing all around for the Sabres, so what did we learn in this one?

What jumped out in Buffalo Sabres win over Devils?

1 – Selfishness…the good kind of selfishness

There were times last season when the Sabres seemed to hesitate before shooting the puck, and it cost them more than a few goals. Last night, Zach Benson and Isak Rosen skated up the wing and toward the net, and they could have passed off the puck, only they didn’t, and it twice found twine.

This kind of selfishness, which I’ve labeled the “good kind” of selfishness, has three likely outcomes. Either a, you score a goal, b, you get a rebound and a possible second chance to score, or c, the goaltender freezes the puck, and you get a faceoff in the offensive zone. It was good to see the Buffalo Sabres, especially those like Benson and Rosen, operating selfishly at times.

2 – Kulich and Rosen are as strong as ever

Jiri Kulich and Isak Rosen will make headwaves in Rochester this season, and both have a pair of goals in as many games. Rosen has been a revelation, outpacing opponents on several occasions throughout the tripleheader, finding open linemates, and giving them opportunities to score.

Kulich hasn’t been nearly as strong (then again, no one has), but he’s nonetheless been creative, and that’s all you can ask of him. He found twine once in both games, and last night’s goal showed off an impressive display of skill.

Overall, look for this duo to be dominant in Rochester all season, and don’t be surprised if they earn a cameo in a blue and gold uniform with the big club.

3 – Hidden treasures

When the Amerks signed Zach Metsa late last season, I wrote it off as a side note and hardly anything more. Now, roughly six months later, it shouldn’t surprise any of us if the kid winds up with an NHL contract.

This doesn’t mean Metsa will ever play regularly for the Sabres, but he can grow into a prominent role in Rochester as an “emergency call up” player if needed. Dominick Mersch also jumped out for his rugged style of play, and goaltender Josh Fleming should also be recognized for his stellar performance in the net.

Look for Mersch to embark on a dominant campaign in the ECHL with the Jacksonville Icemen while Fleming returns to the QMJHL. And yes, expect the Buffalo Sabres to keep an eye on this young goaltender – he more than showed his worth last night.

Source: Isak Rosen continues to impress as Sabres stay unbeaten at Prospects Challenge by Lance Lysowski, Buffalo News