The Buffalo Sabres are set to face the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday as they continue their preseason schedule. The team is coming off two consecutive wins against Columbus, having allowed only one goal across those games. Goaltenders Alexandar Georgiev, Alex Lyon, and Devon Levi combined for 40 saves out of 41 shots in those matches.
“I thought, defensively, we were menaces,” said forward Zach Benson after Tuesday’s 2-1 win at home.
Thursday’s game will begin at 7 p.m. Fans in the Buffalo broadcast market can stream the game on Sabres.com, while radio coverage will be available on WGR 550.
Head coach Lindy Ruff provided an update regarding Thursday’s lineup following the morning skate. Forward Jiri Kulich was scratched due to a muscle tweak. Ruff also noted that Alexandar Georgiev, who played a shutout performance for two periods against Columbus earlier in the week, is scheduled to play all three periods against Detroit.
Konsta Helenius is expected to be the only Sabres skater to participate in each of the first three preseason games. On Monday, Helenius scored a highlight-reel goal during the win in Columbus and assisted Jason Zucker’s winning goal with a strong offensive effort on Tuesday. He also contributed defensively after taking a late penalty by helping preserve a one-goal lead during a 5-on-6 situation.
“I thought his game was probably one of the best I’ve seen,” Ruff said. “His stick work was excellent.”
Helenius has shown early promise as this year’s first-round pick and built upon his reputation as a mature two-way player developed during his rookie season in Rochester.
“I think he’s going to be a really good player in this league for a long time,” Zucker said.
