Byram, Helenius Shine in Sabres Scrimmage

Day three of training camp featured a scrimmage between the top players in the Buffalo Sabres organization. The main group, consisting of players presumed to make the NHL roster, were there as well as some notable additions. These additions included Konsta Helenius, Noah Ostlund, Lukas Rousek, Isak Rosen, Kale Clague, Jack Rathbone, James Reimer, and Felix Sandstrom.

Team White defeated Team Blue in the scrimmage 2-0 in regulation. Helenius and JJ Peterka scored for Team White, both beating James Reimer.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Devon Levi, and Felix Sandstrom were the other goalies in the regulation scrimmage. They did not surrender any goals.

The coaching staff then simulated an overtime situation of three-on-three action for five minutes. Defenseman Bowen Byram jumped up in the play after Team Blue pulled the goalie to make it a four-on-three. Byram backhanded a rebound past Sandstrom in the final minute of the simulated overtime.

Finally, the Sabres simulated a shootout situation. Jack Quinn beat Sandstrom for the only goal to “win it” for Team Blue.

Konsta Helenius

Helenius, Buffalo’s first-round draft pick this offseason, stepped in as an 18-year-old to face NHL talent for the first time in the Sabres scrimmage. The Finnish center did not look out of place, to say the least, notching the game’s first goal.

“I’ve been impressed even through prospect camp,” head coach Lindy Ruff said of the young forward. “And now, for a guy that young to carry himself as well as he has when it comes to the physical part of the game, knowing where to be…overall, just impressed with his overall play for being 18 years old.”

Sabres Roster: Sabres Depth Chart Update Heading into Training Camp

Bowen Byram

Aside from the OT goal, Byram showcased his speed, awareness, and strong puck movement by constantly pushing play into the offensive zone for Team Blue.

“I thought he was the best player on the ice today at scrimmage,” Ruff said. “Almost every time the blue team was up ice, he was part of that. I thought he defended well at the same time.”

Other Notes

Rasmus Dahlin Update

Ruff noted the injured star defenseman Rasmus Dahlin skated on Friday before the scrimmage, which is an encouraging sign for his return. He said Thursday that Dahlin would likely miss “a couple practices” before returning to the ice with the main group.

Zach Benson

Ruff praised forward Zach Benson’s play so far, quipping that he hasn’t had to say much to him because there’s not much he does wrong. Benson played on a line with Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn for much of the Sabres scrimmage.

“For me, he seems like a special, special player. His motor is really good, his hockey IQ is really good. He’s got a lot of puck savvy. He’s got everything.”

Seth Appert

New assistant coach Seth Appert also received some praise from the longtime NHL head coach. “It’s been awesome. I think his energy is infectious,” Ruff said.

Ruff also complimented Appert and Marty Wilford on the drills they’re implementing in practice.

Viktor Neuchev Injury Update

The third group had a wild practice yesterday with numerous players going down in scary incidents. Prospect Viktor Neuchev got the worst of it after he was buried over top of the goaltender and into the net. His face collided with the post, gashing his forehead.

The trainers were immediately called for and Neuchev left the ice bloody with a towel over his face.

“Neuch will be okay,” Ruff said. That was kind of an unfortunate play. I mean, not a play you’d like to see in practice.”

The injury won’t appear to cost the young Russian forward any time in the regular season, as Ruff expects him to be back on the ice in a day or two.

More: 5 Players Injured in Wild Sabres Practice

Sabres Preseason

By the sounds of it, the Sabres will kick off preseason by playing most of the presumed NHL roster.

“You know, we’ve got only two games before we leave [for Europe],” Ruff said. “We only have one game before we play when we get over there.”

As has been the theme all training camp, Ruff is harping on the escalated schedule.

“We’ve got to get our group ready to play.”