There’s no question Jack Eichel was the No. 1 reason the streets near First Niagara Center resembled parking lots. Sabres fans filled Canalside to get a glimpse of the future superstar, audibly inhaling in anticipation whenever he had the puck and rising to their feet when he attempted a penalty shot.
But there were 42 other prospects also eager to impress the loud crowd of 17,115 who showed up for Friday night’s prospect scrimmage. The players’ enthusiasm, goal-scoring ability and pugilistic tendencies sent the fans into the summer night chatting about the fun they had.
After more than two years of bad and often boring hockey in Buffalo, a fun night is what folks really wanted.