Alex Lyon and Jiri Kulich both exited early in the Buffalo Sabres’ 3-2 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday.
Lyon left the game after lunging to make a save with two minutes remaining in the first period. Colten Ellis entered in relief and made 16 saves on 18 shots.
Kulich scored a goal but did not play after the 9:41 mark of the second period. The forward had played in all three games this preseason after missing most of last season with a blood clot, which he had surgically removed in March.
Trevor Kuntar scored the other goal for the Sabres, who dressed a lineup consisting mostly of AHL players. They managed to force overtime against a Red Wings team playing many of its NHL regulars, headlined by forwards Lucas Raymond and Alex DeBrincat and defenseman Moritz Seider.
Kuntar’s performance – a forecheck leading to his goal and a third-period fight with DeBrincat – was more of what the Sabres have seen out of the Buffalo native throughout camp. Coach Lindy Ruff spoke glowingly about Kuntar’s work ethic Thursday morning.
“He’s got a tremendous attitude, he’s got a smile on his face, and he’s a guy you look at when you’re coaching that, if you compete like that, you’ll find a way,” Ruff said. “There will be a chance for you eventually to be a difference maker.”
Buffalo carried a 2-1 lead into the third period. Sheldon Dries scored the tying goal for Detroit with 12:47 remaining, then DeBrincat netted the winner on a power play during the opening minute of overtime.
