Buffalo Sabres’ Preseason Statement: 4 takeaways from their 5-2 win over Detroit

After suffering their first preseason loss on Thursday to the Detroit Red Wings, they bounced back in a big way to return the favor to win 5-2 on Saturday afternoon. It didn't take long for them to take the lead as Rasmus Dahlin would get the scoring going in the first five minutes of the game.

The Sabres would hold the lead for the rest of the game after Radim Mrtka added a goal about 10 minutes later in the first before Pat Kane added one before the end of the period. In the second and third period, the Sabres were able to keep their momentum with Tage Thompson scoring a goal in the opening minute of each of those periods.

With the Sabres sending 24 players down to Rochester, the focus clearly shifts to making sure they are ready for the regular season with only two preseason games left. These are some of the takeaways from this game for the Buffalo Sabres while looking ahead to the regular season.

Alex Tuch looks regular season ready

The Buffalo Sabres had Alex Tuch on the ice for the first time this season, as he had an injury that he suffered prior to training camp. Even with this being his first preseason action, Tuch looked ready for the regular season and didn't really show any rust.

He would play 18 minutes in this game, with 2:43 on the power play but also 1:58 on the penalty kill, while adding one assist and two hits.

Sabres had Tuch playing on a line with Ryan McLeod and Jason Zucker which should be what they use in the regular season. It is going to be a dependable, veteran line that they can lean on after their top line.

Sabres' first power play unit could be really good

With the return of Tuch, this was also the team's first look at their top power play unit with Tuch joined by Tage Thompson, Josh Norris, Jason Zucker, and Rasmus Dahlin. The biggest difference for the season is the addition of Norris and it will certainly be a positive if this game is any indication.

The Sabres were one for two on their power play opportunities with Tage Thompson capitalizing on the power play goal. However, the movement leading up to this goal was what really stood out as Thompson found Zucker in the middle of the ice who would pass it to Josh Norris.

Norris had a wide open net but wasn't able to control the puck in time and instead of trying to force something was able to pass it out to Alex Tuch. He would move the puck back across ice to Thompson who would finish with a one-timer.

The Sabres were one of the worst in power play percentage last season but that could change if these five continue to perform like this.

Sabres need Josh Norris to stay healthy because he will be a difference maker

Josh Norris has been a bright spot for the Buffalo Sabres this preseason and he delivered once again in this game against the Red Wings. He would finish with one goal, which was an empty net goal at the end of the game, and two assists.

However, he can impact the game in a number of ways, like what he is able to do on the power play, but also in the face-off circle. He finished the game winning six of his 11 face-offs, and one of those early wins helped set up Rasmus Dahlin's goal.

The biggest question with Norris has never been his ability on the ice but his ability to stay on the ice. If he can stay healthy this season, he is going to be a big part of the Sabres offense and could have a breakout season.

Alex Lyon has locked up the backup goalie position

Alex Lyon entered training camp with the inside track to be the backup to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen but the addition of Alexandar Georgiev, along with his performance in the first preseason game, created a potential position battle.

However, Georgiev struggled in his last outing, while Lyon was excellent on Saturday as he stopped 26 of 28 shots he faced. This should put any potentially lingering concerns to rest and the Sabres know the two goalies who will be on the roster Opening Night.