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Kyle Okposo scores first goal with Buffalo Sabres (Video)

By Dave Stevenson

Oct 16, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Buffalo Sabres forward Kyle Okposo (21) celebrates a first period gaol against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Buffalo Sabres forward Kyle Okposo (21) celebrates a first period gaol against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Watch as Kyle Okposo scores his first goal with the Buffalo Sabres in his first game with the team.

The Buffalo Sabres made a huge splash in free agency this offseason when they signed former Islanders forward Kyle Okposo. They signed him to send a message they are ready to contend. Another reason they inked him was to provide Jack Eichel and Evander Kane with some scoring help. With both injured early, Okposo is key to Buffalo’s success. Sabres fans have to like that he scored in his first game with Buffalo.

This is the kind of play the Sabres need to get out of Okposo on a nightly basis with both Eichel and Kane out. Once Kane and Eichel get back healthy, Okposo should help make the Sabres offense much better. Credit Ryan O’Relly, who made a nice play along the wall, and Sam Reinhart for getting the assists on Okposo’s first goal with the Sabres.

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Okposo’s goal got the scoring started for the Sabres, as they lead 4-2 after two periods. Buffalo has struggled with Eichel, Kane, and Okposo out. Getting Okposo back could be a huge gain for the Sabres and help them gain some confidence moving forward. Okposo’s goal is the 140th of his career. He scored 139 goals with 369 points in nine seasons with the Islanders. Okposo spent most of his time with John Tavares while with the Islanders. So far in Buffalo, it appears he will split time between O’Reilly and Eichel.

In order for Buffalo to overcome the losses of Eichel and Reinhart, Okposo must emerge as a star. With the Islanders, he was seen as a very good player but not a star. He must step up his game because if he can, the Sabres season might not be over just yet, despite what many think.

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