Jobst, Slaggert Rise, Helenius Wins It for Sabres Over Red Wings

The Buffalo Sabres prospects sealed a successful preseason, winning three of the four games against NHL teams. This time, it took a Graham Slaggert shorthanded goal in the third period, followed by an overtime powerplay one-timer blast by Konsta Helenius to carry the Sabres to the victory. Helenius is the second Sabres prospect to display overtime heroics this preseason, with Noah Ostlund scoring against the Ottawa Senators on a crafty rush goal.

The Red Wings played their “B” squad, but last year’s starting goalie Alex Lyon began the game in net. Former NHL goalie Jack Campbell took over in the third period. Detroit’s lineup also included other players with NHL experience, such as Elmer Soderblom, William Laggesson, and Alex Chiasson.

The Sabres roster was again composed of prospects and players headed to the AHL and ECHL, with the NHL squad in Europe. Again they fared well against stiff competition, hinting at a potential fast start in the regular season for the Rochester Americans. Let’s once again turn to the Sabers grades to get an idea of just how well they performed.

In case you missed it, the grading system was implemented last season. That way, we can assign letter grades to each Buffalo Sabres player based on game performance. Sometimes our eyes deceive us, so the letter grades are assigned based on statistical computation, taking into account the following factors:

• Production
• Quality of offense
• Quality of defense
• Volume of offense
• Volume of defense
• Powerplay performance
• Penalty kill performance
• Penalties drawn and taken
• Role
• Minutes played

All game data via Evolving-Hockey.com

Studs

Mason Jobst

Grade: B+

Production: B-

Offense: A

Defense: B+

Powerplay: B

Penalty Kill: C-

Mason Jobst was all over the ice against the Red Wings, displaying his awareness and puck control. He was the best player on Buffalo’s best forward line throughout the latter portion of the preseason. Don’t be surprised if Jobst sticks with Noah Ostlund and Anton Wahlberg to begin the season for the Amerks, as there’s a combination of production and synergy that fans should be excited about.

Brett Murray

Grade: B

Production: B-

Offense: B-

Defense: A

Powerplay: B

Penalty Kill: N/A

Brett Murray bounced back from a rough showing in Columbus to land in the “studs” column versus Detroit. The big winger kept things clean defensively and was his usual force in front of the net on the powerplay.

Murray’s in an interesting position heading into his time with the Amerks. The team projects to be deep at forward, which could limit his minutes more than usual as the younger players on the team need to continue to develop.

Graham Slaggert

Grade: B-

Production: A+

Offense: D-

Defense: A-

Powerplay: F

Penalty Kill: D-

A good example of why we turn to the grades, Graham Slaggert lands third in the Sabres grades despite scoring two goals. Slaggert had the big shorthanded goal to tie the game and made some noticeable defensive plays in limited even-strength minutes for Buffalo.

He’s a great utility player for the Amerks and should be a regular in the lineup despite being on an AHL contract.

Duds

Felix Sandstrom

Grade: C-

Felix Sandstrom was the only Sabres player with a below-average grade on Monday, landing him in the “duds” column. He played a strong two periods and looked to have bounced back from his rough performance in Columbus. The third period told a different tale, however, as Sandstrom let in a couple of goals he’d like to have back that nearly cost the Sabres the win.

Judging by the preseason, Sandstrom will be a roller-coaster ride in Rochester. He’s an NHL-caliber talent, but he’ll have to regain some confidence and consistency to be the go-to guy.

Honorable Mentions

Konsta Helenius

Grade: B-

The 18-year-old Finnish center scored the big game-winner in overtime for Buffalo, which made up for one of his rougher defensive showings this preseason. That sort of game-breaking ability is what the Sabres are hoping for from Konsta Helenius. Once the production matches the effort and ability, he’ll be a dangerous player.

Noah Ostlund

Grade: B-

Similar to Helenius, Ostlund’s game-changing talent has been on display throughout the preseason. This was one of his quieter games in terms of production, but make no mistake – the offense was there. Ostlund graded at a 99 offensively at even-strength against Detroit.

Sabres Grades