Berglund to make debut in preseason opener vs. Blue Jackets

Patrik Berglund has spent the past week navigating uncharted territory. His first three days of training camp in Buffalo were his first practices with any organization other than St. Louis, the place he spent the first 10 years of his career prior to being acquired by the Sabres in July.
Monday will represent another first for Berglund, who will make his debut when the Sabres open their preseason schedule in Columbus. So, what should you expect to see from the veteran?

"I think it's a little bit of everything," Berglund said. "I see myself as an all-around player. You can put me into different situations. That's something I always want to bring, and I usually do bring some scoring to the table as well. So, I'm a little bit of an all-around player."
Indeed, Berglund's stat sheet paints a picture of versatility that should be valuable for the Sabres. He was a regular both on the power play and the penalty kill in St. Louis. He's defensively sound, with a 52.5 Corsi-for percentage in his career, and he posted a personal-best 55.1-percent mark in the faceoff circle last season.
He also scored 17 goals in 57 games last season, averaging 1.11 goals per 60 minutes. That number would have tied Jack Eichel for the Sabres' lead.
"He can play top six, bottom six, he can do it all," Tage Thompson, his teammate in St Louis, said. "He can put up points, be a shut-down, matchup guy. I think that does help the team … whatever we need, he can do it."

Berglund is expected to center a line with Thompson and Alex Nylander on Monday, two prospects who figure to be big parts of the team's future. That's another area where Berglund can be of service, as a playoff-tested veteran who can offer advice in an exceedingly young dressing room.
"Yeah, definitely," he said. "I mean, as much as they want to get help. I just try to carry myself as a professional. As far as I've seen so far they've done a great job and they've prepared themselves very well."
Tonight's game can be heard live on WGR 550, with puck drop set for 7 p.m. The Sabres will return home to host the Pittsburgh Penguins at KeyBank Center on Tuesday.

Nelson sees similarities to Rochester

Brendan Guhle and Casey Nelson were a shot of energy to the Sabres' defense corps upon being recalled from Rochester last season, often playing together on the same pair. They'll be defensive partners again on Monday as both begin their bids to solidify a spot in the NHL lineup.
Guhle and Nelson will have their work cut out for them given the amount of bodies that have been brought in on the backend, but both players have embraced the challenge. Nelson compared the competition at camp thus far to the atmosphere that spurred change with the Amerks last season.
"Absolutely, it really does [feel similar]," Nelson said. "It's exciting because there are so many bright faces, just so much skill in this locker room and a lot of heart. I'm excited to get going here and play with these guys. I think it will go well."
Nelson skated in 37 of Buffalo's last 38 games, scoring three goals and eight points overall while impressing coach Phil Housley with his knack for getting shots through to the net. With that experience under his belt, he feels prepared to make the jump.
"I really do," he said. "I've just got to keep working every day, no matter what."

Tonight's roster

Forwards (12): 10 Patrick Berglund, 20 Scott Wilson, 22 Johan Larsson, 41 Victor Olofsson, 42 Sean Malone, 51 Kyle Criscuolo, 52 Andrew Oglevie, 64 Tyler Randell, 65 Danny O'Regan, 71 Evan Rodrigues, 72 Tage Thompson, 92 Alexander Nylander
Defensemen (7): 5 Matt Tennyson, 8 Casey Nelson, 27 Taylor Fedun, 44 Brandon Hickey, 45 Brendan Guhle, 82 Nathan Beaulieu
Goalies (2): 34 Jonas Johansson, 35 Linus Ullmark