Who better than a long-standing bitter rival to face off against in the first exhibition game of 2018-2019?
Okay, so while the Sabres and Blue Jackets have no real bad blood, it's an exciting time for hockey to be back – and to finally watch a real game after what seemed like endless offseason drama and conversation.
Let's get an early look at the two opponents, based on what we know from this past season, as well as the summer's transactions:
MATCHUP:
Buffalo Sabres at Columbus Blue Jackets
Nationwide Arena, 7 p.m.
Watch: Streamable on FOX Sports Go and BlueJackets.com
PREVIOUS SEASON RESULTS:
Columbus:
45-30-7 (97 points), Finished 4th in NHL Metropolitan Division
Goals For: 242 (16th), Goals Against: 230 (10th)
Buffalo:
25-45-12 (62 points), Finished 8th in NHL Atlantic Division
Goals For: 199 (31st), Goals Against: 280 (29th)
NOTABLE OFFSEASON MOVES:
Columbus:
Added: Riley Nash, Anthony Duclair
Lost: Matt Calvert, Ian Cole, Jack Johnson
Buffalo:
Added: Rasmus Dahlin, Conor Sheary, Matt Hunwick
Lost: Ryan O'Reilly
LINEUPS FOR TONIGHT:
Columbus:
Forwards: Abramov, Bjorkstrand, Broadhurst, Davidsson, Dubinsky, Dubois, Duclair, Hannikainen, MacInnis, Milano, Thurkauf, Vigneault
D: Clendening, Cross, Harrington, Kukan, Nutivaara, Savard
G: Kivlenieks, Thiessen
Buffalo: TBD
WHO TO WATCH FOR:
Columbus:
Vitalii Abramov, Forward
Abramov was a third-round pick in by the Blue Jackets in 2016, and has really shown since why he deserves a roster spot on the main squad. He recorded back-to-back 104 point seasons the past two years in the QMJHL, and won the league MVP in the 2016-2017 . campaign.
While the Blue Jackets look to have their top-12 forwards mostly locked in, there's always room for some competition, right? By the looks of the training camp lineups, Abramov would be looking to beat out one of the depth forwards for an opening night roster spot.
Injuries happen, dry-spells happen, you never know when Abramov may get his chance – especially with a successful preseason.
Buffalo:
Rasmus Dahlin, Defenseman
Dahlin was the first overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, and is looking to make an immediate impact with the Sabres. Playing for the Frolunda HC in the 2017-2018 season, he recorded 20 points in 41 games.
Ray Ferraro of TSN stated last year that Dahlin skated like Nicklas Lidstrom and defended like Erik Karlsson. While racking up points is important for any position, the most elite defensemen in league history have been known for their commanding of the ice and few mistakes.
