Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff believes Thursday night's 5-2 preseason road loss to the Detroit Red Wings is a perfect example of young players learning the importance of compete level in the NHL.
The Sabres iced a young, prospect-filled roster against a stronger Red Wings group with more proven NHLers, so the result itself wasn't much of a surprise. Instead, Buffalo's coach is hoping it serves as a learning experience for some future full-time members of the team's roster.
"I think it just tells you that when it comes to compete, NHL compete, it's hard," Ruff told reporters. "You win your battles, you get the edge in the game. I thought we lost too many battles."
It marked the first loss of the six-game exhibition schedule for the Sabres. It faces Detroit again on Saturday afternoon (3 p.m. ET), this time at the KeyBank Center in downtown Buffalo.
The on-ice growth of top prospects is a critical element of the Buffalo Sabres finally building a consistent NHL contender
Several of the Sabres' most prized prospects were on the ice Thursday night. It was a group that included their 2025 first-round pick, defenseman Radim Mrtka, along with a quartet of talented forwards: Konsta Helenius, Noah Ostlund, Isak Rosen and Anton Wahlberg.
Ostlund was the most impressive member of the next generation against Detroit. He tallied a goal, an assist and two hits across nearly 19 minutes of ice time.
Helenius, who made a serious push for immediate NHL consideration with his strong play in Buffalo's two wins over the Columbus Blue Jackets, had a more muted performance Thursday.
Mrtka has shown no fear playing with a physical edge at 18 years old, but he still looks a year or two away from making the Sabres roster. The same timeline probably applies for Wahlberg.
Rosen is the prospect causing the biggest concern at the moment. There was an opportunity for him to steal a roster spot given the team's need for a top-six winger following the trade of JJ Peterka, but he hasn't delivered a standout training camp or preseason.
Meanwhile, it was another strong showing from Josh Doan, who was part of the Peterka trade package along with defenseman Michael Kesselring. He helped spark a power play that's been dormant for the better part of two years with a goal and an assist on the man advantage.
Doan's ability to cause a ruckus in front of net could prove incredibly valuable to the Sabres, and Ruff took notice of that success.
"Good net-front," the longtime NHL coach said.. "He made some good decisions."
Buffalo figures to use a lineup closer to its projected Opening Night alignment in Saturday's rematch with the Wings since it's on home ice. That should include another appearance from Doan, and it'll be interesting to see if he's given a chance on the top power play after Thursday's showing.
After the next battle with Detroit, the Sabres will wrap up the preseason with a pair of games against the Pittsburgh Penguins next week.
Buffalo opens the regular season Oct. 9 when it hosts the New York Rangers.