Sharpen Up: October 3, 2017

An early day of practice today as we're now two days away from the season opener.
Buffalo will take the ice at HarborCenter for practice this morning and we'll have full coverage of it for you shortly. Then buckle up as we begin to prep you for the first game of the year, which will happen Thursday night against Montreal.
Here's what you need to know.

A chat with Ryan O'Reilly

The Sabres coaching staff held meetings with the players yesterday so Brian Duff took the opportunity to pull Ryan O'Reilly aside for a talk about training camp.

After a hard practice on Sunday, Sabres coach Phil Housley thought that Monday was a great time to allow the players to refresh and group as they enter the first week of the regular season.
"Today is just more of a maintenance day because of the long week, he said. "I thought it would be good just to get an off-ice work out and get their minds right for tomorrow and Wednesday, but certainly we'll push the pace tomorrow as we gear up for our first game."

No decision yet made on the captaincy

"We're still evaluating that part, of who's going to wear a letter," Housley said. "We have a good leadership group in there so that's something that the coaches will be talking today and tomorrow about]."
This preseason, Ryan O'Reilly, Kyle Okposo, Jack Eichel, Evander Kane, Zach Bogosian, Zemgus Girgensons, Jake McCabe and Rasmus Ristolainen have all served as alternate captains.
[Check out yesterday's practice notebook for more on what about Sam Reinhart has impressed Jason Pominville and Housley's reaction to the Bills' win on Sunday.

Tickets for Troops is back

Matt Moulson will continue the Tickets for Troops program to provide a pair of seats to a member of the military during every home game for the 2017-18 season. In addition, Original Pizza Logs will also donate four 100-level tickets to a local veteran who will be recognized on the ice prior to the national anthem at each Sabres home game.
Moulson's seats are located in the 100 level and each soldier recognized will receive a Sabres jersey at the game. All active or veteran military personnel are eligible to register for Tickets for Troops.
Fans can register for either program by clicking here.

From the vault

As part of the NHL's centennial celebration, they've taken a look at Buffalo's two trips to the Stanley Cup Final (1975 and 1999). Enjoy!