Storylines
1. The defensive system
The Sabres prioritized their new defensive structure during Friday’s intrasquad scrimmage, which ended with two goals scored (by Konsta Helenius and JJ Peterka) during 50 minutes of 5-on-5 play.
The defensive focus during the scrimmage made for limited open ice for the Sabres’ forwards.
“I thought our top guys got a little bit annoyed that there wasn’t much ice to skate around in,” Ruff said. “… I do like that. I actually think our goalies like that, too.”
Saturday marks the first opportunity for the team to put Ruff’s system into practice against an opponent.
2. Byram’s first impression
With Dahlin absent, Bowen Byram has opened his first Sabres camp on the top defense pair alongside fellow left shot Owen Power. The 23-year-old caught Ruff’s eye with his two-way play during the scrimmage on Friday.
“I thought he was the best player on the ice today at the scrimmage,” Ruff said. “Almost every time the blue team was up…
