Sharpen Up: October 14, 2016

The season hasn't quite started the way anyone expected. Buffalo opened the 2016-17 campaign last night without Jack Eichel, Kyle Okposo or Dmitry Kulikov in the lineup due to injury. And then they lost Evander Kane late in the second period.
Here's what you need to know.

Kane left the 4-1 loss to Montreal after crashing hard into the end boards with 11.3 seconds remaining in the second period. He was taken to the hospital for further evaluation and precautionary measures. Sabres coach Dan Bylsma had no further update after the game.

Kane tweeted this morning:

has the recap of last night's action. If you're looking for a bright spot, the Sabres finished the game with a 31-24 advantage in shots. Buuuuut since they were only able find the back of the net once, it was Montreal who came away with two points.
Matt Moulson scored on the power play to make it 2-1 just 35 seconds into the third, but Montreal pulled away with two more goals. Brendan Gallagher ended up with two goals for Montreal and Al Montoya made 30 saves in a spot start for Carey Price, who missed the game due to the flu.

Dating back to last season, Moulson now has a point in each of his last three games (2+1) and four goals in his last seven contests.

We also caught up with Zach Bogosian

And Robin Lehner:

Lehner also shared his thoughts about the season with us before the game. Even after a loss, it's definitely worth checking out.

#

The Party In The Plaza Was [The Website Won't Let Me Insert A Fire Emoji]

DJ Kool took the stage and performed his hit (and the Sabres goal song) "Let Me Clear My Throat" in front of a pretty jazzed crowd.
If you missed it (or want to experience the pregame festivities again), check this out.

Murray's Locked Up (In A Good Way)

Tim Murray signed a multi-year extension about an hour before last night's game. Here are his thoughts on the new deal as well as his reaction to Eichel's high-ankle sprain that will keep him sidelined for a few weeks.
You can read about it.
Or watch it.

On Tap Today (And This Weekend)

Buffalo is set to take the ice again for practice this morning. The Rochester Americans are slated to play their season opener tonight at home, so if Buffalo needs a call up from the AHL, the reinforcements are a short drive away. The Sabres leave on Saturday for a three-game road trip that begins Sunday evening in Edmonton.
We'll have full practice coverage today, including a written report from Jour-dohn and a video feature from the one and only Brian Duff (unless you include that lawyer from Wellsboro, Pennsylvania and that associate professor from the University of New England and probably a few other Brian Duffs from across North America).
When the team hits the road, we'll have full coverage. Sharpen Up will be back on Monday but stay with us all weekend for practice reports and game updates.