Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 13, 2024 3:46 am GMT
Buffalo Sabres fans are in for an exciting night as the team kicks off its preseason with a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at KeyBank Center on Saturday. This matchup will give fans a first look at a near-regular season lineup, signaling an important step towards the NHL regular season, which begins on October 4 in Czechia.
Key Details for the Preseason Opener
The game against the Penguins will start at 7 p.m. ET, with an early pregame show airing on MSG at 6:30 p.m. For fans outside the Buffalo broadcast market, the game will also be available on NHL Network and can be listened to on WGR 550 radio.
Broadcast Information:
- TV (Buffalo area): MSG
- Streaming (Out-of-market): NHL Network
- Radio: WGR 550
Buffalo’s Strong Lineup
Under the guidance of head coach Lindy Ruff, the Sabres are fielding a competitive roster for this preseason match. Most players from last season are expected to participate, with the notable exception of defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, who is recovering from an injury sustained during practice.
“Maybe two or three guys that won’t play. But otherwise, get our group ready to play,” commented Ruff about the lineup strategy.
The Sabres aim to build momentum with just two preseason games before heading to Europe. This urgency has driven them to ramp up training and field a lineup that closely mirrors their expected regular-season roster.
Projected Sabres Roster:
- Forwards:
- Nicolas Aube-Kubel
- Zach Benson
- Dylan Cozens
- Jiri Kulich
- Peyton Krebs
- Sam Lafferty
- Beck Malenstyn
- JJ Peterka
- Jack Quinn
- Lukas Rousek
- Tage Thompson
- Alex Tuch
- Defensemen:
- Jacob Bryson
- Bowen Byram
- Connor Clifton
- Henri Jokiharju
- Owen Power
- Mattias Samuelsson
- Goalies:
- Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
- James Reimer
- Michael Houser
A New Defensive Focus
During their recent scrimmage, the Sabres placed a strong emphasis on their new defensive system. This focus resulted in limited scoring opportunities, something Ruff noted was a positive. “I actually think our goalies like that,” he said, as they prepare for the test against Pittsburgh.
Bowen Byram, who joined the Sabres in a trade last season, stood out during the scrimmage on the top defensive pair alongside Owen Power. Ruff praised Byram, stating, “I thought he was the best player on the ice today at the scrimmage.” Fans are eager to see how Byram continues to develop in the upcoming games.
Spotlight on Rising Stars
Many eyes will also be on 20-year-old Jiri Kulich, who is seizing his opportunity in training camp. Having impressed during the recent Prospects Challenge, Kulich’s offensive prowess helped him secure a spot among the NHL practice group. Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams has emphasized that talent will have its place on the roster, stating, “If we feel right now he’s going to help our team, then he’s going to be here.”
With significant expectations surrounding new players and familiar faces alike, the Sabres hope to build on last season’s foundation as they ramp up for a successful campaign.
Pittsburgh’s Lineup Preview
The Penguins are approaching their first exhibition game with a mix of youth and experience. Coach Mike Sullivan announced a lineup featuring several players who are aiming to secure their positions within the team.
Projected Penguins Roster:
- Goalies:
- Joel Blomqvist
- Filip Larsson
- Defensemen:
- Nathan Clurman
- Ryan Shea
- John Ludwig
- Ryan Graves
- Harrison Brunicke
- Philip Waugh
- Mac Hollowell
- Forwards:
- Rutger McGroarty
- Drew O’Connor
- Vasily Ponomarev
- Jimmy Huntington
- Jesse Puljujarvi
- Cody Glass
- Tristan Broz
- Ville Koivunen
- Valtteri Puustinen
- Emil Bemstrom
- Tanner Howe
- Atley Calvert
- Avery Hayes
With a roster filled with young talents combined with seasoned players, the Penguins hope to establish a solid foundation for the upcoming season through this preseason competition.
Conclusion
The Buffalo Sabres are getting ready to play their first preseason game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and fans are really excited! They can’t wait to see how the team will do this season. The Sabres have a strong group of players and a new way of playing defense, which makes everyone hopeful for a great year ahead. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday at KeyBank Center, so be sure to catch the action and see what both teams have in store for the 2024 NHL season!
