Ralph Krueger said Tuesday morning that he expected Dylan Cozens to be a difference maker for the Buffalo Sabres in their game against the New York Rangers. A fight probably wasn't what he had in mind.
Cozens, playing his first NHL game with fans in attendance in front of a limited capacity at Madison Square Garden, was unflinching when he dropped the gloves against Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren during the third period of a one-goal contest. The moment stood out as a bright spot in a 3-2 loss during which the Sabres did plenty well but paid for missed opportunities and early mistakes.
Here are five takeaways, beginning with the 20-year-old rookie from the Yukon.
5 takeaways | Cozens a bright spot in loss to Rangers
Observations from Buffalo's 3-2 loss at MSG
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BUF Recap: Reinhart, Rieder score in loss to Rangers
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POSTGAME: Cozens