Sabres look to build on intensity from 3rd period in Winnipeg

CHICAGO – Peyton Krebs laid out to block a pass during the final drill of practice on Saturday, a competitive small-area scrimmage played within the confines of one end of the ice.

The play – which earned stick taps from his fellow Buffalo Sabres players lined up along the blue line – was a microcosm of the intensity on the ice inside the Chicago Blackhawks’ practice facility.

“The compete level was high,” Sabres coach Don Granato said. “I think we have some guys not satisfied with where things are at. I’ll take that as a positive.”

The Sabres came to practice looking to build on the performance they put forth during the third period of a 3-2 loss in Winnipeg on Friday. They outshot the Jets 28-18 in total and had a 17-4 edge in high-danger chances at 5-on-5 but trailed 3-1 entering the second intermission.

They returned for the final period with an emphasis on outworking the Jets and cut the deficit in half exactly one minute in on a breakaway goal from JJ Peterka. They outshot the Jets 12-6 during the final 20 minutes, though goaltender Connor Hellebuyck saw to it that the tying goal never came.

Still, the period provided a template for how the Sabres will look to play moving forward. It began with hard practice in Chicago.

"There was a lot more intensity to it which is, again, what we need, what we need to see, I think," Granato said. "And when I say ‘we,’ it’s collective. I think the guys take it to heart and they set the standard and they certainly elevated it."

Here are more notes from Saturday's practice.

1. Henri Jokiharju was a full participant in practice and is expected to return to the lineup Sunday, Granato said. Jokiharju has missed the past two games with an illness.

“He had a real hard, challenging skate yesterday, went through it well and competed well today in practice so I expect him in there tomorrow,” Granato said.

2. Peterka’s goal in Winnipeg upped his season total to seven in 17 games, tied with Jeff Skinner for the team lead. Peterka had 12 goals in 77 games as a rookie last season.

The 21-year-old has 10 points in Buffalo’s last 10 games, which Granato said is a testament to his habits.

“Consistent work,” Granato said. “His confidence has increased day by day over the last year and I think now he has felt like he earns and deserves more, and he’s going after it and getting it. On the flip side, I see that, feel that, and he’s gotten more ice time as a result. So, he continues to go in the right direction and it’s nice to see.”

3. The Sabres continue their three-game road trip Sunday night against the Blackhawks. Coverage on MSG/MSG+ begins at 6:30 p.m. with puck drop scheduled for 7.