Who will be in the opening lineup? Will Rousek and/or Kulich suit up in Prague? What about Krebs?

[GASabresIUFAN]

Czechia natives Kulich and Rousek are on the Sabres squad heading into the Sabres opening games, but will either be given the opportunity to play in their native country? 

Kulich had a great prospect challenge, but given this unique camp he has only played one pre-season game as the new look Sabres seemed very focused on building early cohesion with Lindy's new system for the skaters thought to be in the top 12.  I think Rousek may have also played one pre-season game as well.

PR wise it would be great for these guys to have a chance to play at home, but is it in the best interest of the Sabres who need a strong start to the season?

What about Krebs?  He actually played in all 3 "Sabres" centric pre-season games.  Aube-Kubel, Greenway, McLeod and Zucker (and Tuch) played 2 each.  Was this just a case of Lindy seeing where he can slot Krebs if needed or was he looking for an opening night role for Peyton?

Given the back to back games, I think there is a good chance the Sabres utilize all 15 forwards between the two games.  

 

 

 

[SabreFinn]

It is Lindy Ruffs first games as a Sabre coach in a NHL game this era. And it is against his former team. I don't think he cares about anything but winning those games. My answer is No on Krebs and Rousek. If there are changes in the line-up for the second game, Kulich gets his chance. And I think/hope Ruff doesn't make changes on a winning team. 

Edited Wednesday at 01:44 PM by SabreFinn
Grammar

[Pimlach]

You dress the 12 forwards that give you best chance to win.   Two points now are still equal to 2 points in March.  

I don't see the need to play any of them unless they are doing something special in practice that warrants it.  

[dudacek]

The Sabres have never telegraphed their starting lineup as clearly as they have this season.

[LGR4GM]

unless there is an injury, this is your lineup

 

[inkman]

3 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

unless there is an injury, this is your lineup

 

[Derrico]

The best form of PR is winning some ***** hockey games.  Give me the best lineup that can do that.  All else be damned. 

[Hawerchuk]

Rousek is a career AHLer. He does not excite me at all.

[Drag0nDan]

2 hours ago, dudacek said:

The Sabres have never telegraphed their starting lineup as clearly as they have this season.

Hopefully we can avoid the slow 20-something game start that seems to plague this team in recent seasons.  

[mjd1001]

2 hours ago, GASabresIUFAN said:

Czechia natives Kulich and Rousek are on the Sabres squad heading into the Sabres opening games, but will either be given the opportunity to play in their native country? 

Kulich had a great prospect challenge, but given this unique camp he has only played one pre-season game as the new look Sabres seemed very focused on building early cohesion with Lindy's new system for the skaters thought to be in the top 12.  I think Rousek may have also played one pre-season game as well.

PR wise it would be great for these guys to have a chance to play at home, but is it in the best interest of the Sabres who need a strong start to the season?

What about Krebs?  He actually played in all 3 "Sabres" centric pre-season games.  Aube-Kubel, Greenway, McLeod and Zucker (and Tuch) played 2 each.  Was this just a case of Lindy seeing where he can slot Krebs if needed or was he looking for an opening night role for Peyton?

Given the back to back games, I think there is a good chance the Sabres utilize all 15 forwards between the two games.  

 

 

 

Let them sit in the press box, but before the game walk around the Arena, meet some fans, sign some autographs, take pictures, and do the same between periods.  Great PR that way.

[French Collection]

21 minutes ago, Hawerchuk said:

Rousek is a career AHLer. He does not excite me at all.

Depending on how game #1 goes, Lindy may stay with the same lineup. Someone getting dinged up is changes things.

Kulich is the guy going in imo. He is the next man up as far as prospects and has taken a step forward from the end of the last season. If a 4th liner is out, Greenway can drop down a line imo.

I am sure the Czech fans are more excited about Kulich’s potential than Rousek’s.

[Weave]

Seems straightforward.  If we lose a C to injury, Krebs rotates in.  If we lose a winger it’ll be Kulich or Rousek depending on role.

[spndnchz]

1pm Friday 

[Brawndo]

Adams pretty much confirmed in an interview with Lance Lysowski that Kulich, Rousek, Reimer and Clague would not be playing in Prague. 

[dudacek]

24 minutes ago, Brawndo said:

Adams pretty much confirmed in an interview with Lance Lysowski that Kulich, Rousek, Reimer and Clague would not be playing in Prague. 

Do you think that also means they are the 4 looming cuts to get to 23?

[LGR4GM]

7 hours ago, Brawndo said:

Adams pretty much confirmed in an interview with Lance Lysowski that Kulich, Rousek, Reimer and Clague would not be playing in Prague. 

And here's our last lineup before the game tomorrow:

 

[That Aud Smell]

7 hours ago, dudacek said:

Do you think that also means they are the 4 looming cuts to get to 23?

Makes sense? That leaves Krebsy as the 13F and then Gibby and Brice as the 7D/8D.

As was foretold.

Something about seeing Gilbert yesterday in the nickname reel made me think of Bob Boughner.

Maybe Lindy had the same thought.

[Demoted]

All that matters is he puts the best players on the ice to win the game. None of this other stuff matters.

[GoPuckYourself]

I don’t really see a spot for Krebs, Kulich or Rousek. This looks pretty spot on how we would roll with the season.

Peterka-Thompson-Tuch

Benson-Cozens-Quinn

Tucker-McLeod-Greenway

Malenstyne-Lafferty-ABK

 

[PerreaultForever]

Ya, it's not a preseason game so unless there's an injury you most definitely do not dress Kulich or Rousek (or Krebs). These are actually really big games and the whole season might come down to them. NJ is potentially wild card competition so 2 losses here might be the end of year difference. I know a lot can happen, but every point matters this year if you want to be serious about trying to make the playoffs. 

We come back from Europe with 2 wins we are off and running. We get 2 losses and we will need a quick reset. 

[Taro T]

On 10/2/2024 at 9:24 AM, GASabresIUFAN said:

Czechia natives Kulich and Rousek are on the Sabres squad heading into the Sabres opening games, but will either be given the opportunity to play in their native country? 

Kulich had a great prospect challenge, but given this unique camp he has only played one pre-season game as the new look Sabres seemed very focused on building early cohesion with Lindy's new system for the skaters thought to be in the top 12.  I think Rousek may have also played one pre-season game as well.

PR wise it would be great for these guys to have a chance to play at home, but is it in the best interest of the Sabres who need a strong start to the season?

What about Krebs?  He actually played in all 3 "Sabres" centric pre-season games.  Aube-Kubel, Greenway, McLeod and Zucker (and Tuch) played 2 each.  Was this just a case of Lindy seeing where he can slot Krebs if needed or was he looking for an opening night role for Peyton?

Given the back to back games, I think there is a good chance the Sabres utilize all 15 forwards between the two games.  

 

 

 

Provided they stay healthy, the ONLY lineup question this weekend is whether UPL plays both games or if Levi gets game 2.  (Personally expect the latter, but wouldn't have money on it.)  The 18 skaters to play this weekend are pretty much set in stone.