[The Athletic] Bowen Byram plays hero as Sabres push winning streak to 7: 3 thoughts
December 24, 2025
[The Athletic] Bowen Byram plays hero as Sabres push winning streak to 7: 3 thoughts
1 comment
> 2nd. Ostlund continues to thrive in his move to the wing. He hasn’t gotten this much time on the wing since he was playing professionally in Sweden, but it’s clearly eased his transition to the NHL. He’s more than capable of handling the defensive responsibility at center, but he was having a hard time with faceoffs. Plus, with Tage Thompson, Josh Norris and McLeod on the center depth chart, Ostlund’s best chance at cracking the top nine in a healthy Sabres lineup is at wing right now. He’s shown a willingness to forecheck and some smooth plays along the wall that are advanced for his age. His deflection goal was pivotal in this game. He now has three goals in five games since returning from his brief demotion.
>3rd. Michael Kesselring was playing through another lower-body injury, Ruff said. That’s why his ice time was limited at times during this game. Kesselring still fought through it to be part of that penalty kill late in the game.
I guess that explains his play, however if he’s still injured then you should sit him until he’s healthy because he’s looked pretty bad out there.
1 comment
> 2nd. Ostlund continues to thrive in his move to the wing. He hasn’t gotten this much time on the wing since he was playing professionally in Sweden, but it’s clearly eased his transition to the NHL. He’s more than capable of handling the defensive responsibility at center, but he was having a hard time with faceoffs. Plus, with Tage Thompson, Josh Norris and McLeod on the center depth chart, Ostlund’s best chance at cracking the top nine in a healthy Sabres lineup is at wing right now. He’s shown a willingness to forecheck and some smooth plays along the wall that are advanced for his age. His deflection goal was pivotal in this game. He now has three goals in five games since returning from his brief demotion.
>3rd. Michael Kesselring was playing through another lower-body injury, Ruff said. That’s why his ice time was limited at times during this game. Kesselring still fought through it to be part of that penalty kill late in the game.
I guess that explains his play, however if he’s still injured then you should sit him until he’s healthy because he’s looked pretty bad out there.