Oh my, what a difference.
After the letdown from the home opener a few days ago, the effort the Buffalo Sabres showed last night should get a few doubting Thomas-types to step back from the ledge and take a deep breath.
The Sabres’ marquee signing from free agency Kyle Okposo led the way from the front, and keyed Buffalo to a statement victory without two top-six forwards, Jack Eichel and Evander Kane.
The $42 million forward had the puck in the net on just his first shot and second shift as a Sabre, and then picked up a neat little power-play assist minutes later as Buffalo started fast and jumped into a 2-0 lead.