Injury Concerns Mount for Buffalo
The Buffalo Sabres are facing a challenging preseason as injuries pile up among their defensemen. Owen Power, a key player on the blue line, has been sidelined due to a strain and is considered day-to-day. Coach Lindy Ruff confirmed that Power joins Bowen Byram and Mattias Samuelsson on the injured list, creating a significant gap in the Sabres' defensive lineup. With the regular season fast approaching, the Sabres will need to rely on their depth to navigate these setbacks.
New Faces and Roster Adjustments
In light of the injury woes, the Sabres have made some notable roster moves. Vsevolod Komarov has been recalled from the Rochester Americans, while Zac Jones and Jake Leschyshyn have been assigned to the AHL affiliate. Ruff noted that some defensemen may have outperformed Jones in training camp, suggesting that competition is fierce as players vie for roster spots.
Meanwhile, rookie Radim Mrtka has emerged as a standout during the preseason. His poise and maturity have drawn praise from teammates and coaches alike, with Jacob Bryson highlighting Mrtka’s calm demeanor and strong practice habits. As the Sabres look for contributors, Mrtka's performance could prove vital in filling the void left by the injured players.
Goaltending Challenges Ahead
The Sabres are also navigating challenges in net, as Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is dealing with an injury. The team may turn to Alex Lyon, who has embraced the underdog role throughout his career. Lyon, with a track record of stepping up in critical moments, aims to support his fellow goalies, including veteran Alexandar Georgiev, as they prepare for a demanding season.
As the Sabres continue their preseason preparations, the health of their roster and the performance of emerging talents will be essential in setting the tone for the upcoming campaign.
TL;DR
- Owen Power and other defensemen are sidelined with injuries, impacting the Sabres' roster.
- Vsevolod Komarov has been recalled, while Zac Jones and Jake Leschyshyn were assigned to Rochester.
- Rookie Radim Mrtka is impressing with his maturity and skill during preseason games.
- Alex Lyon may step up in goal due to injury concerns regarding Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.