Buffalo Sabres struggle with key forward line chemistry in preseason opener vs Columbus

The Buffalo Sabres began their 2025 NHL preseason with a 4-0 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, demonstrating strong overall play but revealing concerns with the chemistry of a key forward line consisting of Josh Doan, Jiri Kulich, and Jack Quinn. This trio struggled in terms of possession and expected goals, raising questions about their fit and prompting possible lineup adjustments. Head coach Lindy Ruff’s initial placement of this line surprised many, as it left the team without a clear checking line, leading to speculation that Doan might perform better alongside players like Ryan McLeod and Zach Benson or Jason Zucker. The Sabres' preseason schedule offers several games to evaluate these dynamics, with notable inclusions of top lines and defensemen such as Rasmus Dahlin and Bowen Byram. Meanwhile, internal scrimmages and training camp activities have highlighted the potential and ongoing development of younger players, with veterans providing guidance on building chemistry. Overall, Buffalo's preseason is shaping up as a critical period to finalize roster decisions and line combinations ahead of the regular season.