Sabres takeaways: Lindy Ruff 'loved the answer' after ugly stretch in preseason win
This was the final exhibition game in North America for most, if not all, players in the Sabres' lineup. It was an opportunity for Ruff to evaluate his roster against an opponent that had several NHLers and see determine how much progress they've made since they began to implement his system six...
Astern, succinct message was delivered to the Sabres after their first poor stretch of play since Lindy Ruff was re-hired.
"We talked about the compete level wasn't good enough," Ruff shared with reporters Monday night following their 6-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets in KeyBank Center.
Sabres goalie Devon Levi makes a save as defenseman Owen Power and Columbus' Hunter McKown look on Monday. Joed Viera/Buffalo News
The Sabres seemingly lost every puck battle during the final 12 minutes of the first period. They went nearly 15 minutes without a shot on goal after Owen Power scored during a 5-on-3 power play to give them a 1-0 lead. Their opponent, a mix of inexperienced NHLers and prospects, easily exited its own zone.
This was their first in-game test of the second Ruff era, and, though it was only their second of the preseason, it was fair to wonder how they'd respond with a different coach and several new players.
Ruff needed to see three shifts to know his message was heeded. The Sabres began to block shots, finish checks, earn extended time in the offensive zone and executed an in-game adjustment to disrupt the Blue Jackets' breakouts. And, as Ruff reminded them during the five previous days of training camp, work ethic led to offense.
Zach Benson and Peyton Krebs scored almost six minutes apart, then Dylan Cozens, Mattias Samuelsson and Nicolas Aube-Kubel added a goal apiece in the third period. Devon Levi gave them 25 saves, seven of which were high-danger according to NaturalStrick.com.
"I liked the answer to what I would call a poor 12 minutes of play," Ruff added. "I loved the answer."
The stakes may have seemed minimal from the outside because there were so few fans in KeyBank Center with the Bills playing on "Monday Night Football" in Orchard Park and early preseason games can be glorified scrimmages.
However, it was the final exhibition game in North America for most, if not all, of the Sabres in the lineup. The 23 players projected to be on the opening-day roster, and as many as four others, will board a plane Tuesday night for Munich, where they'll continue their training camp and play a German pro team Friday night. The team will then head to Prague to begin preparations for their season-opening back-to-back against the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 4 and 5.
These two preseason games were important for Ruff, though. He and his staff don't have much time to implement new systems and evaluate personnel. Though there were some rocky moments both nights, the Sabres outscored their opponents 13-4 and looked like a fast, physical, organized team.
"It's crazy how quick it is," said Sabres center Ryan McLeod, who appeared in his first game since his trade from Edmonton. "Guys worked really hard the first couple of days and it's showed. We've scored some greasy goals, and we're doing the right things. It's going to be fun going to Europe, and hopefully keep building as a group."
Here are three takeaways from the Sabres' win:
1. Krebs opportunity
Don’t count out Krebs, even though the 22-year-old may begin the regular season as the Sabres’ extra forward.It’s unlikely that you’ll see Krebs playing right wing on the first line, like he did Monday night in place of Alex Tuch, who, along with Jiri Kulich, drew out of the lineup. But Krebs has the speed, physicality, defensive instincts and playmaking upside to carve out a role. Shooting more often will help his case. Krebs didn’t hesitate when he snapped the puck past Jet Greaves on a rush chance in the second period.
The promising start bodes well, though, particularly for a club that will need depth up front. Krebs can play center or wing, and he can kill penalties if needed. More shifts like the one in which he scored will help him in the competition.
"I'm going to play the same way wherever I am,'" said Krebs, who signed a two-year contract as a restricted free agent on the eve of training camp. "Bring my work ethic and try to dish the puck around. I think it shows definitely I can play there, but just got to keep the momentum going from there and keep working."
Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Quinn makes his way towards the net during the first period against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday ay KeyBank Center. Joed Viera/Buffalo News
2. Power impressing
Power is going to have his first career 40-point season.The 21-year-old used the offseason to improve his shot, and he’s been more willing to pinch in the offensive zone. He’s not the only defenseman who has looked more confident in those situations. It must help that the coaching staff is pushing forwards to cover the blue line when someone like Power sees an opportunity to leave his spot to pursue the puck or get in position for a pass.
The 2021 first overall draft pick has looked more assertive and aggressive defensively. Not only does Power have two goals in as many preseason games, but he’s killing penalties and on the top defense pair with Bowen Byram in Dahlin’s absence.
3. Levi shines
When asked about Levi earlier in training camp, Ruff repeated his stance that young goalies need to play.NHL opportunities may be scarce after the back-to-back series in Prague. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has a hold on the starting job, and Buffalo has eight games in 24 days after it returns from Europe. Levi, unlike No. 3 goalie James Reimer, doesn't require waivers to go to Rochester.
A few more performances like Levi's 25-save effort Monday night may force the Sabres to get creative at the position, though.
"I feel I have two goaltenders that are extremely dialed in, and I thought (Levi) made probably four or five really clutch saves for us that you need," said Ruff.