Alex Tuch to Face Sabres for First Time

On Saturday night, when the Washington Capitals host the Buffalo Sabres, Alex Tuch will face his former team for the first time since the trade this June that brought the forward to Washington.

Of course, for Tuch, having grown up in suburban Syracuse and a Sabres fan, it will be unique to face his old team for the first time.

Tuch, who was dealt to Washington for salary cap considerations and then signed an 8-year, $84 million contract with Washington, has adjusted quickly to life in the nation’s capital. He currently leads the team in goals with 5 and points with 7, and has a pair of two-goal performances so far in 9 games with the Capitals.

Tuch grateful for time in DC

Asked about his time in Buffalo last month at training camp, Tuch was positive about his time in Western New York, particularly last season when the Sabres made the playoffs for the first time since 2011.

“That was a really special time in my life,” he said. “I take a lot of pride in that, and it was five long years before we were able to get it done when I was there, and it was some dark days. … Even if you weren’t the best team, we had a lot of fun, and we had a really good group of guys, so to be able to get it done with that core was really special for me.

“I’m so thankful for all the fans, all the support, and my teammates, and for the organization, and everything they did for my family and I, and I’ll never forget those years.”

After his two-goal performance last week against Montreal, Tuch said he felt welcome with this roster and there was a high ceiling for the roster.

“We’re just continuing to try to build something here,” he said. “All the guys that have been here for years are the reason why it’s so easy to come in … The sky’s the limit for this team. We’ve got a really talented group.”

Tuch is also part of the solid contributions from the additions to the roster, as they have helped the Capitals to a decent 5-4-0 start.

“The guys in the locker room made it so easy for me to come in and just go out and play to my strengths,” he said. “And what it’s like to have a lot of fun. It’s just such a good group to be part of.”

Of course, for Tuch and the Capitals, two points will be important in the fourth game of a five-game homestand, even looking to overcome his former team which is off to a sluggish 4-4-2 start and a loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday.

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