On Saturday, the Buffalo Sabres did the right thing and stood up to the Columbus Blue Jackets when Dmitri Voronkov bumped goaltender Devon Levi.
During the Buffalo Sabres thrilling preseason win vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Blue and Gold showed us they weren’t backing down to anyone once the inevitable scuffles broke out. But Dylan Cozens, Riley Stillman, and Company put a stop to it and stood up to Voronkov and the rest of the Blue Jackets who were on the ice.
Earlier today, Cozens described the way everything unfolded. And he also reinforced that the Sabres wouldn’t be the same group they were last season, one that constantly allowed others to push them around.
"“I just saw him fall down and I heard the crowd go nuts. So I assumed that he bumped him. We’re a young team and guys are going to try and take advantage of that thinking we’re soft or whatever, that we’re not gonna fight back.“We know we have to, have to show that we’re not going to get bullied and we stick up for each other. We’re not scared of anyone, and we’ll do whatever it takes to defend each other.”"
Source: In skill, intensity and even emojis, Dylan Cozens packs a punch in middle for Sabres by Mike Harrington, Buffalo News
Buffalo Sabres have plenty of players who can get physical with opponents
Cozens is just one of a few members of the Sabres who isn’t afraid to stand up for teammates, as Riley Stillman showed us upon his arrival last season that he too wasn’t afraid to push back against opponents. Peyton Krebs also developed an edge to his game following his fight with Connor Clifton.
Ironically enough, Clifton is now a member of the Sabres, and he too will exchange greetings with opponents. Clifton is also one of the NHL’s most physical players who will probably have fun starting a few confrontations around the crease in a blue and gold uniform this season.
Rasmus Dahlin has shown us on more than a few occasions he’s fine with taking part in shoving matches with opponents, despite his star status. Ditto for Tage Thompson, who found himself in multiple fights last year.
It’s clear that Cozens isn’t taking anything if an opponent comes pushing and shoving this season, judging from his quote above. And you can expect the rest of the Buffalo Sabres to follow suit.