With only one week until the scheduled start of the NHL season and no breakthrough in sight regarding CBA talks, the league could announce the postponement/cancellation of the opening games any minute.
While we wait, a few notes collected from the Amerks' preseason opener Wednesday night:
*Mark Mancari still has the hardest shot I've seen during my 11 seasons covering the Sabres and their prospects. It's a rocket, and no one else's could compare Wednesday. He earned his first of three assists when his blast got tipped wide of the net and caromed back to the front for a Luke Adam tap-in.
*Cody Hodgson had his NHL-caliber moments -- the most memorable was when his saucer pass from the left side of the zone landed perfectly on the right side for a T.J. Brennan one-timer -- but he didn't dominate like folks expected. Of course, it's just the first game of the preseason.
*David Leggio is fiery. The goalie from Williamsville ended last season in Rochester talking about a [expletive] goal he let in. He started this season yelling at the referee about a [expletive] call. He also carried the team through a sluggish first period with several good saves while the Amerks got outshot, 13-6.
*Adam still knows how to find the right spot on the ice to pour in goals. His speed in getting to those spots still needs work.
*The Amerks' power play should be impressive. The units: Hodgson-Marcus Foligno-Corey Tropp, with Brayden McNabb and Brennan on the point; and Phil Varone-Adam-Kevin Porter, with Mancari and Mark Pysyk.
*Zemgus Girgensons and Foligno can hit. Girgensons showed hustle at both ends of ice at times in his pro debut. He's just 18 playing in league filled with guys five to 10 years older.
---John Vogl
