Sabres News: Preseason Progress and Injury Updates

The Buffalo Sabres are midway through their preseason schedule, with their season opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets just one week away.

Preseason Underway

The Sabres have provided glimpses of both their roster depth and potential NHL lineup during the preseason. Their initial game against the Pittsburgh Penguins saw mostly non-rostered players participate in a 4-1 loss. The following day, the main NHL lineup secured a decisive 5-1 victory over the Blue Jackets.

Goaltender Colten Ellis stood out in the Pittsburgh game, stopping all eight shots in the third period and appearing sharp.

Tuesday's game featured the NHL roster, demonstrating speed, cohesion, and control. Despite Columbus fielding a lineup of non-rostered players, Buffalo executed plays effectively, made clean exits, moved the puck quickly, and converted chances.

The line of Zach Benson, Noah Ostlund, and Jack Quinn was particularly effective, driving play and creating offense. Benson contributed two assists, Ostlund scored twice, and Quinn added an assist, highlighting their chemistry as a potential top line.

The defense also performed well. The new pairing of Owen Power and Olen Zellweger looked comfortable, moving the puck efficiently. However, Zellweger left the game with a concussion, one of two defensive injuries sustained by the Sabres.

Goaltending was another strong point. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 13 saves through two periods, appearing composed. Ellis followed with 11 saves on 12 shots, securing the win. Across both games, Ellis has been a notable preseason performer.

Despite the positive performance, injuries to Mattias Samuelsson and Zellweger present concerns as camp concludes. Their availability could impact roster decisions for Opening Night.

Buffalo has two remaining preseason games: a road game against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday and a home finale against the Penguins on Saturday. These final games are critical for players vying for roster spots and for the coaching staff to assess adjustments due to potential absences.

Injury Updates for Samuelsson and Zellweger

Mattias Samuelsson left Tuesday's game after blocking a shot and proceeded to the locker room. Olen Zellweger suffered a significant hit from Carson Soucy late in the same period, requiring assistance to leave the ice. Neither player returned to the game.

Following the game, head coach Lindy Ruff stated that Samuelsson is week-to-week with a lower-body injury, with re-evaluation planned over the next few weeks. Zellweger is in concussion protocol, making his timeline uncertain.

Ruff acknowledged the team's defensive depth and indicated that the organization has not explored external defensive help, focusing on internal options. The team may rely on players like Dennis Gilbert, Zach Metsa, Ryan Johnson, or even Radim Mrtka to fill potential gaps. Ruff expressed confidence in the current group's ability to succeed.