Earlier in the day, Pominville spoke about the desire to contribute more offensively. He posted 47 points (13+34) in 78 games last season and while this is still only the preseason, he said afterwards that he's glad to be off to a quick start with his new - and former - club. His centerman is also happy to see the early results as well.
"You see his hands around the net, there's a reason he's scored as many goals as he has in this League and he's been playing as long as he has. He's a smart player and we'll continue to build chemistry," Eichel said. "That happens in practice, happens in games, watching video together. I think that's something that continues to get better. It's good that we were able to get a few tonight and we're going to continue to work."
Pominville put the Sabres on the board first, with 7:19 remaining in the first period when he one-timed a quick shot short side from along the goal line. The feed, from Eichel, was on a delayed penalty so Pominville as able to creep down low undetected.
"It kind of gave us a free play. I was able to get lost. I think he kind of saw me coming around the net and I kind of figured it was coming," Pominville said. "He made a great play."
The second goal, scored with 9:22 remaining in the second period, came off a faceoff win in the Penguins zone. Kane fired a puck on net and Pominville, again down in the blue paint, took a few whacks it in before cashing in. That gave Buffalo a 2-1 lead.
While less than a week into training camp and only two games into the preseason, a lot could change between now and the regular-season opener on Oct. 4. But for now, Buffalo looks to have a line that's clicking and able to sustain a lot of offensive zone time.
"It's good to see Pommer score a couple goals - really gritty around the net, finding a way to get those pucks in. Evander had a lot of really good looks and they seemed to jell together," Sabres coach Phil Housley said. "They're using each other well. Any player who contributes offensively, you feel better about yourself. It was good to see that P had a good game."