The Buffalo Sabres started their European journey with excessive expectations for the 2024-25 NHL season, however they’re returning residence with their tails between their legs. After two powerful losses (4-1 and 3-1) to the New Jersey Devils throughout the NHL World Sequence in Prague, the Sabres blew their probability to realize factors within the standings.
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Even worse, the crew suffered three accidents that might derail any early momentum. Right here’s a take a look at the Sabres’ unhealthy luck with accidents, roster strikes, and not less than two brilliant spots that supply hope for the crew’s future.
Merchandise One: Sabres’ Unhealthy Luck – Three Key Accidents in Europe
Nicolas Aube-Kubel Damage: A Promising Line Interrupted
In Friday’s opener, the Sabres misplaced Nicolas Aube-Kubel to a lower-body harm that compelled him to go away the sport. Aube-Kubel had been a part of Buffalo’s retooled fourth line alongside Beck Malenstyn and Sam Lafferty, a speedy trio designed to frustrate opponents with their forechecking means. The road had simply began to search out its rhythm when Aube-Kubel’s exit disrupted their plans. Peyton Krebs stepped in for Saturday’s sport, however the disruption to that line’s chemistry was noticeable. Aube-Kubel’s timeline for return stays unsure, leaving Buffalo’s depth examined proper from the beginning.
Zach Benson’s Shock Absence
One other blow got here on Saturday when Zach Benson, considered one of Buffalo’s most promising younger forwards, was a shock scratch resulting from a lower-body harm. Benson had performed by the harm in Friday’s sport, but it surely worsened in a single day, resulting in his absence in sport two. His spot was taken by Jiri Kulich, who struggled alongside linemates Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn. With out Benson, the Sabres’ second line didn’t generate a lot offense. The crew hopes his harm received’t linger, however there’s no clear timeline for his return but.
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JJ Peterka Suffers a Concussion
Essentially the most regarding harm occurred throughout Saturday’s sport when JJ Peterka suffered a concussion following what appeared like an unlawful hit from Devils defenseman Brendan Dillon. Peterka, who performs a significant function in Buffalo’s top-six ahead group, left the sport early and didn’t return. The hit initially led to a significant penalty, however after evaluate, it was diminished to a two-minute minor.
Peterka’s absence considerably weakens Buffalo’s offensive firepower. With no clear restoration timeline for a concussion, the crew may very well be with out him for an prolonged interval. The Sabres will want their depth to step up in his absence, particularly if his restoration takes longer. Sadly, this teenager was simply rising as an offensive pressure.
Merchandise Two: Sabres Waiver Strikes – Clague, Rousek, and Reimer
Along with the harm woes, the Sabres made just a few roster strikes earlier than their European video games, putting a number of gamers on waivers in preparation for the ultimate roster deadline. Kale Clague, the 25-year-old defenseman who cut up time between Buffalo and the Rochester People final season, was positioned on waivers. Clague brings a strong two-way sport and NHL expertise. If he clears waivers, he’ll probably be an necessary call-up choice all through the season.
Lukas Rousek, coming off a robust American Hockey League (AHL) season with 41 factors in 51 video games, was additionally positioned on waivers. Whereas the Sabres are loaded with younger forwards, Rousek is a promising expertise who may see time in each the AHL and NHL this season.
The broadly traveled veteran goalie James Reimer was signed within the offseason so as to add depth behind Devon Levi and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. He was additionally waived. Reimer is anticipated to clear waivers and supply insurance coverage in Rochester, stepping in as wanted if accidents or efficiency points come up in Buffalo’s crease.
Merchandise Three: Jordan Greenway Strikes to the Prime Line
In response to Peterka’s concussion, Jordan Greenway was promoted to the highest line alongside Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch. Identified for his bodily play, Greenway instantly made a too-little, too-late influence by aiding on Buffalo’s solely aim of their 3-1 loss to the Devils on Saturday.
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Greenway has been a middle-six ahead all through most of his profession, however this opportunity may enable him to show he belongs in a extra outstanding function. Final season, Greenway recorded 28 factors in 67 video games. If he can construct chemistry with Thompson and Tuch, it would result in elevated offensive manufacturing. His future on the highest line relies on each Peterka’s restoration and Greenway’s means to capitalize on this chance.
Merchandise 4: Vivid Spots Regardless of Early Struggles – Thompson and Levi
Whereas the Sabres confronted powerful losses, a few brilliant spots ought to encourage followers shifting ahead. Thompson, Buffalo’s high middle, scored the crew’s solely aim in Saturday’s loss and appeared just like the elite participant who broke out two seasons in the past. After a disappointing 2023-24 marketing campaign, he appears able to return to his 94-point type from 2022-23. His mixture of measurement, talent, and hockey sense makes him one of many NHL’s most harmful offensive gamers, and the Sabres will lean on him closely as they appear to show their season round.
Levi is on the cusp of changing into a particular participant. Buffalo’s younger goaltender has continued to indicate why he’s thought-about the crew’s future in web. Regardless of giving up three targets in his season debut, Levi made 34 saves and stored his crew within the sport, notably when the offense sputtered (the Sabres solely managed 18 pictures on aim). His calmness and strong positional play give Buffalo an opportunity to win each night time, even when the crew is outplayed.
What’s Subsequent for the Sabres?
After a rocky begin to the season, the Sabres are headed again to North America, hoping to regroup and get more healthy. The crew may also search for continued sturdy performances from Thompson and its goalies as they attempt to proper the ship. The early losses are a setback, however the Sabres have the expertise to bounce again. The important thing shall be getting wholesome and discovering the chemistry that made them a promising crew heading into the season.
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The Sabres’ instant focus shall be on navigating the following few weeks with out a few of their high gamers, hoping to climate the storm and begin stringing collectively wins. If gloom and doom have been twins, whereas gloom has arrived, doom isn’t but on the horizon. It’s actually not time for Sabres followers to panic.
