3 Takeaways from Sabres 1st Preseason Game Versus Penguins

The Buffalo Sabres finally got to showcase the hard work they’ve put in to begin training camp on Saturday. The Sabres defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 7-3 in the first preseason game of the year.

The Penguins kicked off the scoring on the powerplay 1:08 into the game after the Sabres took an early penalty. Jesse Puljujarvi redirected one past Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to give Pittsburgh its only lead.

The Sabres answered on the powerplay on a deflection by JJ Peterka a little over two minutes later and never looked back. Second-period goals by Peterka, Power, Jokiharju, Lafferty, and Peterka again within five minutes of each other blew the game wide open.

The third period wasn’t as clean for the Sabres, as two more Puljujarvi goals cut into the big lead. Still, the Sabres dominated the shot totals, peppering the Penguins with 43 shots to their 18.

More: 3 Sabres Preseason Position Battles to Watch

Sabres Speed

The Sabres added players with a lot of speed this offseason, including the fourth line of Beck Malenstyn, Sam Lafferty, and Nicolas Aube-Kubel. The trio displayed that speed consistently throughout the night, getting in on the forecheck and beating defenders to the puck.

Alex Tuch remarked that he didn’t think the Sabres were a slow team by any means, but that they got faster in the offseason. This was very apparent, thanks in part to the cleaner zone exits that head coach Lindy Ruff has been harping on in practice.

Given that two of Buffalo’s fastest players, Ryan McLeod and Jason Zucker, did not play on Saturday, the organization should be pleased with how the team is using their speed as a major asset.

Sabres Powerplay

The Sabres were beneficiaries of an early four-minute powerplay but only needed mere seconds to capitalize. They spent the second minor almost completely in the offensive zone, moving the puck well and winning puck battles.

Puck retrievals were a point of emphasis from assistant coach Seth Appert, who, combined with Ruff, is tasked with turning around Buffalo’s powerplay.

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A Change in Attitude

When the Sabres jumped to a lead last season, former coach Don Granato had the team pull back and focus on defending. Buffalo did not do that Saturday night.

Instead, the Sabres maintained their identity of using their speed to take away the opponent’s ice and spring that into offense. As evidenced by five quick goals in the second period, the long change should favor Buffalo most nights.

Even further, the shift in attitude and change in directive should have them caught on their heels less often.

It’s important to remember that the Sabres beat a Penguins team that featured fringe NHLers and AHL goalies.

What’s Next

The Sabres host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday at 5 p.m. The game was moved from its original start time of 7 p.m. to not interfere with Monday Night Football, as the Buffalo Bills host the Jacksonville Jaguars at 7:30 p.m. We’ll likely get our first look at McLeod and Zucker, as their line with Jordan Greenway did not play against the Penguins.

For the Pittsburgh Penguins’ side of things, be sure to check out Pittsburgh Hockey Now.