The Sabres played really well at the end of the preseason and finished with a 4-0-1 record in the last five games.

 

Panarin has been the best player again in the preseason with 16 points and players like Johansen, Connor and Guentzel did their part but a guy like Wheeler will need to play way better in the regular season if the Sabres want to compete with the top teams in the league.

 

On defense, Doughty and Weber had decent preseasons but Ekholm and Ristolainen will need to play better in front of Gibson. 

 

In goal, Miller played better than Stalock during the preseason so he will start the season backing up Gibson.

 

Here are the lines coach Gallant was using at practice before leaving for Pittsburgh.

 

Connor - Johansen - Panarin

Guentzel - Domi - Wheeler

Drouin - Danault - Ehlers

Byron - Glendening - Beagle

 

Weber - Doughty

Ekholm - Ristolainen

Brodie - Jensen

 

Gibson

Miller

 

The Sabres are shopping for an upgrade over Jensen on the bottom pairing and an upgrade over Domi as the 2nd line centerman.

 

Go Sabres Go!