The trio's dynamic qualities appealed to Phil Housley when the coach constructed his lineup for Wednesday, coming on the heels of two straight shutout losses. Nylander, Mittelstadt and Thompson skated on separate lines against Dallas on Tuesday but each managed to impress in their own way.
"I'm excited to see what the young guys can bring," Housley said. "I really liked Tage's game. I thought Mittelstadt attacked the game. Alex, as the game wore on, got more comfortable and had a couple good looks.
"… I really liked what they brought. They were creating, they used their speed, they were attacking the game. We need more of it."
Thompson ranked third on the Sabres with four shots against the Stars after sitting as a healthy scratch in Colorado on Saturday. Housley said Thompson's effectiveness on offense tends to come when he utilizes his speed and plays physically, which was the case on Tuesday.
"He's skating and he's moving his feet," Housley said. "There's a speed element to his game that, when he does use it, he's very effective. He can find ways to create. When he's getting the puck and he's standing still and he's not getting off his mark, he's easily played.
"One thing when I watch him and I know he's on is he's bringing a physical element too. He's getting on the forecheck, he's finishing his checks and from that point he's turning pucks over."
Nylander made his season debut against Dallas after being recalled on Sunday and said he felt more comfortable with each passing period. Mittelstadt said the winger made a strong impression during their time together at camp.
"I played with him quite a bit in the preseason," Mittelstadt said. "He's always skating. I think he's got a harder shot than he gets credit for and makes a lot of good little plays. From what I saw, we fed off each other pretty well. Obviously, it's been a while, but we'll try to pick up where we left off."
With Jack Eichel serving the final game of his two-game suspension, the trio figures to see ample opportunity against the dynamic Penguins lineup, which boasts Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Nick Bjugstad down the middle.
Mittelstadt, a Crosby fan in his youth, said they'll be up to the challenge.
"Crosby's always been my favorite player," he said. "I always idolized him growing up, so playing against them is always pretty cool for me. I think being out there against them in preseason was a little weird, but now it's pretty normal.
"I think we just go out and play our game. If we play with the puck and we're attacking, then they can't do anything with it. Just try to control the play in their end and make them play defense as much as we can."
