3 standouts in Buffalo Sabres big preseason win over the Capitals

The Buffalo Sabres opened up their preseason with a win over the Washington Capitals, and several prospects looked good in this one.

The Buffalo Sabres snagged their first preseason win earlier today against the Washington Capitals. Buffalo found themselves down 2-0 before they finally found twine, but the team overall played better than what the score indicated at the moment.

They finally got it together in the third period and scored two more times, but the Capitals also put one through, tying the game at three after 60 minutes, and ultimately leading to a shootout between the teams. Buffalo, however scored two out of three, securing the win.

Overall, it was a great performance from the Sabres, and a few prospects stood out. Who caught my eye? Let’s just say two of the Sabres more popular prospects were stellar, along with one of the more underrated names.

3 standouts in Buffalo Sabres big win over Washington

1 – Ryan Johnson

No, Ryan Johnson won’t be making the Buffalo Sabres big club this season, but he looked like he was in midseason form more than once on Sunday. Johnson was phenomenal at getting a stick onto the puck and breaking up plays, and he also drove the puck up the ice well on several occasions.

He was also effective on the penalty kill, and he blocked an astounding five shots. Let’s hope he builds off of this epic performance and continues to make an impression while he’s still in the blue and gold.

2 – Zach Benson

Zach Benson was one of the most effective players overall at the 2023 Prospects Challenge, and that didn’t change in Game 1. Sure, Benson needs to get stronger, and he showed that at times in this outing, but it didn’t deter him from going after the puck and playing a little gritty at times.

Benson also moved exceptionally well and consistently put himself in good position to make plays. He created opportunities for linemates, and most importantly, it paid off with a tip-in at the 8:59 mark in the third frame. He also developed remarkable chemistry with Tyson Jost, and this all came after he shined during the first couple of days in camp.

3 – Tyson Kozak

Tyson Kozak was another standout, getting in there often on the forecheck and playing his usual physical game. Kozak was on the ice during the Capitals first goal, but overall, there were more ups than downs. He also drove the puck well on multiple occasions and did his part to create opportunities.

We also saw perhaps a foreshadowing of a rugged line in Rochester involving Kozak, Linus Weissbach, and Filip Cederqvist. The trio will provide a jolt of energy for the Amerks every time they take the ice if they indeed play alongside one another this year.

Source: Zach Benson shows poise, dynamic ability as Sabres open preseason with OT win by Lance Lysowski, Buffalo News – Statistics also provided by Buffalo News