Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) – After missing Wednesday’s preseason game in Columbus due to soreness, Dylan Cozens and Erik Johnson both returned to practice on Thursday for the Buffalo Sabres.
It sounds like Johnson will play in Friday's preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and head coach Don Granato feels he needs to get into that final preseason game.
"It’s very important," said Granato following Thursday's practice. "If you watched him practice today, he’s easy to pick out in practice because of his size and how hard he works. So to get into a game and to get around our players and our system is something we’re looking forward to."
Johnson isn’t too worried about playing in just one preseason game.
"It’s been fine. I was supposed to play in the last two, and something just flared up and there was no sense in pushing it," said Johnson on Thursday. "I’m all good to go, just being extra careful."
Johnson says between the practices and playing one game, he'll have no trouble kicking off the summer rust.
The veteran defenseman is in agreement with fellow free agent addition this offseason Connor Clifton, who feels being new to the team, it was more beneficial to be in practice than preseason games.
"There’s room to be more aggressive, and if you make a mistake in practice, you learn from it and that’s how you get better," Johnson said. "Pushing yourself to being a little uncomfortable and do some things that you wouldn’t be able to try in a game. Especially being a new guy in the system, it’s been beneficial to me."
Johnson says his teammates and the staff have been so good, he doesn’t even feel like the new guy anymore.
The 35-year-old had to navigate a new city once before when he went from St. Louis to Denver. He says he’s enjoyed getting used to Buffalo, especially this time of year.
"It’s been different being in Denver for almost 15 years, so just going to a new place, sometimes you’re culture shocked with how things are different. But I’ve really come to like it," Johnson said. "I really enjoy where I live and the people, and I’ve really liked it and been super happy."
In the locker room, Johnson is parked next to 21-year-old rookie goalie Devon Levi, and will be a very good sounding board for him throughout a long season. He also has 24-year-old Henri Jokiharju on the other side.
Granato says minus one or two players, the Sabres should use most of their regulars in Friday’s final preseason finale against the Penguins. Levi will also get the start in goal.
2022 first-round pick Matt Savoie got hurt in the final game of the Sabres Prospects Challenge, but appears to finally be ready to return to the ice with his teammates. Granato said Thursday he will likely join the morning skate Friday, but he’s still recovering.
Here's a look at how Thursday's lines shaped up at practice.
Forwards:
Rousek – Jost – Biro
Girgensons – Krebs – Okposo
Peterka – Cozens – Olofsson
Skinner – Thompson – Benson
Greenway – Mittelstadt – Tuch
Defense:
Dahlin – Clifton
Power – Jokiharju
Samuelsson – E. Johnson
R. Johnson – Bryson
Stillman - Clague
