Sharpen Up: October 9, 2018

The Sabres improved to 2-1-0 on the season yesterday after they defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 on home ice. Jack Eichel scored twice to get things started, and his markers were followed up by Marco Scandella and Jason Pominville.
Here's what you need to know.

About yesterday afternoon

From the Game Recap:
Jack Eichel lifted his arms and nodded to the fans in the corner as they pressed against the boards, smirking in a way one does after bringing 16,000 people to their feet.
No, it wasn't an attempt to mimic the goal celebrations from Auston Matthews and Patrick Kane in Sunday's game between the Blackhawks and Maple Leafs. (Eichel spent his evening watching the Houston Texans play the Dallas Cowboys, although he did catch the highlights of the hockey game.)

Eichel's enthusiasm in that moment stemmed from simpler motivations.
"I love to score goals," he said. "I love when our team scores goals, whoever it is."

Carter Hutton was once again a reliable presence in net for the Sabres, making 35 saves. The Sabres were outshot 37-17, but that hardly tells the story. They limited mistakes that could lead to grade-A chances against, supported each other as they rushed up the ice and won battles on both ends.

Eichel's energy, meanwhile, was infectious. Less than 48 hours after setting a new career-high in ice time against the New York Rangers, the Sabres captain was buzzing alongside linemates Conor Sheary and Sam Reinhart from the opening shift.
He finished with a team-high four shots and six shot attempts in 19:11. His two-goal outing gives him four points (3+1) in three games to open the season.

The team is off today so check back for full practice coverage tomorrow.

Happy 70th birthday to Sabres great Don Luce!

More stats!

Courtesy of Sabres PR:

Coming up

The Sabres next play on Thursday against Colorado. Can they make it three in a row? Come on down to KeyBank Center to see for yourself.