Sharpen Up: September 9, 2017

The first game of the Prospects Challenge didn't go Buffalo's way, but good news: The Sabres youngsters can shake it off pretty quickly because they're playing Boston tonight.
Faceoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight from HarborCenter. Get your tickets here (the Sabres and Devils played in front of a packed house last night) or follow along at home. We'll be live streaming the game and the radio call with Paul Hamilton and Brian Duff will be on WGR 550.
Here's what you need to know.

Maybe it's more like who you need to know.
Colin Blackwell spent last season with San Jose's AHL affiliate, tallying 11 points (4+7) in 57 games. He's an invitee for Buffalo at this Prospects Challenge and he made a significant impact in Buffalo's 4-3 overtime loss to New Jersey, scoring twice.

Rochester Americans coach Chris Taylor, who's helming the Sabres prospects squad, admitted he didn't know much about Blackwell coming into this week, but was pleasantly surprised by the 5-foot-9 centerman, who skated on a line with C.J. Smith and Hudson Fasching.

"It's great to see and it pushes other guys internally," Taylor said. "That's what hockey's all about, is pushing each other. It's not just competition against the other team, its pushing each other and making each other better."
Jonas Johansson also stood out for Buffalo, making 34 saves in defeat. For more on the game and who else had an impressive showing (hint: Vasily Glotov's line), be sure to check out Jourdon LaBarber's recap.

Stay with us today for lineup news and more as the Sabres get ready for the Bruins.

Winter Classic fun

Jack Eichel, Ryan O'Reilly and Jason Pominville were on hand yesterday for a press conference at home plate of Citi Field in New York City as the NHL unveiled some fresh logos for the 2018 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic.
Buffalo will take on the Rangers outdoors on New Year's Day in the marquee event. Dan Dunleavy has you covered:

And maybe our coverage was too good because Eichel took over the interview. He even asked O'Reilly what we've all been thinking, but didn't even realize we were:

If you want to hear each player's full comments, we've got those for you too, right here:

Should be a game to remember.

On tap today

Pregame notes are on the way. And then after the game, stick around for full postgame reaction, a game recap and more.
Sharpen Up will be back on Monday.
Go Bills.