Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – The Buffalo Sabres are gearing up for a busy week with split squads as they kick off their preseason games. While one group of players will head to Munich, Germany for the NHL Global Series, the other half of the roster will remain in North America to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins, Ottawa Senators, and Columbus Blue Jackets.
In Pittsburgh, the Sabres will have the opportunity to showcase some of their AHL affiliates, with 16 players from the Rochester Americans joining the squad. This includes promising prospects like Konsta Helenius, Isak Rosen, Noah Ostlund, and Ryan Johnson, all of whom are eager to make their preseason debuts and make a case for a roster spot.
The goaltending duties in Pittsburgh will be split between prospect Scott Ratzlaff and veteran Michael Houser. Ratzlaff, fresh off a successful season in the WHL, will look to prove himself against NHL competition. Meanwhile, Houser, known for his talent on the ice and leadership off it, will aim to make a strong impression during the preseason.
On the opposing side, the Penguins will have a mix of rookies and seasoned NHL players in their lineup. Players like Jesse Puljujarvi, who recently notched a hat trick in a preseason game, and Avery Hayes, who had an impressive showing at the NHL Prospects Challenge, will be ones to watch as Pittsburgh takes on Buffalo.
Overall, both teams are looking to fine-tune their skills and evaluate their rosters as they prepare for the upcoming NHL season. With exciting matchups and key player performances on the horizon, fans can expect an action-packed week of preseason hockey.