Olofsson's hard work has led to team-high production

Victor Olofsson noticed he was being defended by Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras when he made the aggressive move that led to Rasmus Asplund's winning goal in overtime on Thursday.
Olofsson attacked Zegras in the slot, deking his way by the second-year center before reversing the puck back through the crease to Asplund.
"I know as a forward you're not always very comfortable in those situations," Olofsson told reporters Friday. "I kind of just wanted to go at him and take advantage of it. It worked out, so I'm happy for that."
It was a move that required confidence, something Olofsson is not lacking in the early stage of the season. His two-assist effort on Thursday upped his team-leading point total to eight (4+4).

Olofsson - a threat on the power play since his rookie season in 2018-19 - has been consistent at 5-on-5 playing alongside Asplund and Tage Thompson. The Sabres own a 52.94 percent share of shot attempts with Olofsson on the ice at even strength, third on the team behind Asplund and Arttu Ruotsalainen.
Five of Olofsson's eight points - including three goals - have come at even strength.
"I feel like ever since I got to North America I've been working very hard to get better without the puck, get better defensively," Olofsson said. "I feel like I've been making progress. I also want to be better with the puck and create more chances offensively, so I think I'm on the right track here."
"I just feel more confident. I feel like I've been creating more 5-on-5, not only for myself but for my teammates too. I feel good out there."

Asplund referenced the work that's gone into Olofsson's strong start after the win over Anaheim.
"He is working his ass off every day to become better and I think this year you can see that, the fire in his eyes again a little bit," Asplund said. "Maybe that's been gone for a little bit, I don't know.
"But, I mean, you can see just how (much) fun he has out there and how he wants to make plays, wants to be a player that makes a difference out there. I think he really has been finding that game again and it's great for him and it's great for the team."

Saturday's practice

Brett Murray is set to make his season debut on Sunday. He skated on a line with Arttu Ruotsalainen and Drake Caggiula, while John Hayden served as the extra skater at practice.
"That's what we'll go with tomorrow," Sabres coach Don Granato said after practice. "Just a different look, different energy. The guys seemed to be excited so we'll see, but I thought it was time."

Murray played in his first two NHL games at the end of last season and had a strong training camp for the Sabres this fall. He was recalled from the Rochester Americans on October 23.
Buffalo also had a special visitor at practice, former goaltender Ryan Miller:

Up next

The Sabres continue their West Coast road trip against the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday. Coverage on MSG begins at 3:30 p.m. The puck drops at 4.