"It was a really long stretch with the same forward lines, and there was some good synergy there," Krueger said. "The processes seemed to be quite automatic, especially the way we want to be connected on the ice.
"Losing a forward a game now for five games in a row has been quite disruptive. But the guys are working hard to find the right path. It's a different kind of challenge, but it's a good one for us to get to know our ability to adjust and also get to know new players."
The Sabres practiced with 11 forwards and nine defensemen this afternoon. Zach Bogosian - entering his second week of practice as he continues the late stage of his recovery from hip surgery - filled in up front for some drills.
Krueger said the team will decide later this afternoon whether they will recall a forward from Rochester for Tuesday's game or play with seven defensemen. Remi Elie, C.J. Smith, and Scott Wilson are dealing with injuries in Rochester, leaving Jean-Sebastien Dea and Andrew Oglevie as the two options on NHL contracts.
Curtis Lazar and Rasmus Asplund have both taken on key roles since being recalled during the past week. Lazar scored in his debut Thursday; while Asplund has often been one of the first players over the boards on the penalty kill.
"There's good play from guys coming up," said Sam Reinhart, who's filled in as an alternate captain in Johansson's absence. "We're just going to need to do it by committee and not rely on one or two guys. You can't have the last two games with Eichs scoring all the goals.
"I think everyone's got to chip in that little bit extra, and it's a fine line of not trying to do too much."
On defense, Bogosian saw his status upgraded to day-to-day on Monday's injury report. Asked if he might return to the lineup at some point this week, he kept his sights focused on the day at hand.
"We'll see," Bogosian said. "Today I had another good skate. We'll just take it a day at a time. We're obviously being cautious about it. I think any time when you come back from a situation like mine, it's smart to just take it day to day. But I feel good, so that's positive news."