Expected Lines
Asplund – Cozens – Thompson
Peterka – Ruotsalainen – Weissbach
Murray – Malone – Quinn
Warren – Eakin – Hayden
Hagg – Pysyk
Davidson – Fitzgerald
Bryson – Butcher
Luukkonen
Robson
Player Watch
Linus Weissbach
Coming off a three-point 3rd period against Columbus, Linus Weissbach draws back into the lineup on Thursday.
After being elevated from the 4th line, 23 year old Weissbach dazzled with his stick-handling and playmaking ability, leading the Sabres four goal comeback victory.
Jack Quinn (BUF)
Despite a dazzling winner in the shootout, it was a bit of a slower start to the preseason for 2020 first round pick, Jack Quinn. Less explosive than linemates Peterka and Cozens, Quinn appeared a step behind the play at times on Tuesday. Settling back into his natural position on wing, I’m looking to see Quinn have a bit more urgency and be harder on loose pucks that rim around the boards.
Dylan Cozens (BUF)
While some expected Casey Mittelstadt to get his crack as the 1C tonight, Dylan Cozens draws back into the lineup.
Don Granato didn’t like his game on Tuesday and felt the need to give him more ice time, “Dylan didn’t look like himself [on Tuesday]. He probably needs more games, and he’ll get to that, so we threw him back in for that reason. Some guys along the same lines.”
Cozens appeared a bit rushed and was stopped on a pair of prime opportunities with a point-blank look at the net on Tuesday. While Granato didn’t like his game, it’s still encouraging to generate these good looks at the net. They’ll start to go in eventually — maybe even tonight.
Moritz Seider (DET)
Once a surprising pick at 6th overall in 2019, one spot ahead of Dylan Cozens, a surprise no more is German defenseman Moritz Seider on Detroit.
Seider is a big (6’4), smooth, exciting player on the back-end. He’s the full package as a defenseman with the ability to jump in the rush, create from the blue line with a big shot or pass, and stand tall defensively. The Sabres should see plenty of Seider both at even strength and running Detroit’s power play.
Lucas Raymond (DET)
Another high-end, first-round pick in this game is the electric Lucas Raymond.
Selected 4th overall in 2020, Raymond brings a twitchy offensive game in the mold of a player like Mitch Marner. Raymond often deceives opponents with his smooth skating ability and can beat you as a passing or scoring threat.
UPL gets an opportunity
Don Granato announced this morning that goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will play the entire game against the Red Wings, a move suggested by goaltending coach Mike Bales.
With the Sabres expected to go with Craig Anderson and Aaron Dell in goal, Luukkonen enters camp likely to start the season in Rochester. Preseason will be a good opportunity for him to show his potential in a goaltending room full of veterans.
How to Watch
Fans within the Sabres’ local broadcast market can stream the game on sabres.com.
Come chat with us during the game and follow for news, highlights and analysis @thechargingbuf
