BAPTISTE CONTINUES STRONG SUMMER WITH HAT TRICK IN LOSS TO DEVILS

Nicholas Baptiste said back at development camp in July that his time to make a statement for his NHL club was now. He’s three years removed from being selected by the Sabres with the No. 69 pick in the third round, and now has a full pro season under his belt with Rochester.

He made his statement at development camp with a goal and an assist in the Blue & Gold Scrimmage, but he took it to another level with a hat trick in Buffalo’s 6-3 loss to New Jersey to open the Prospects Challenge at HarborCenter on Saturday night.

Baptiste, 23, is a veteran among his fellow prospects. He’s put it on himself to perform like one throughout the summer, and his performance Saturday was evidence of that.

“It was really important,” Baptiste said following the game. “Any time you’re in front of Sabres brass and they’re watching, it’s important to show what you can do. I thought I did that tonight and hopefully I can continue throughout camp.”

Outside of Baptiste’s scoring, the game belonged to the Devils. After his second goal gave the Sabres a 2-1 lead in the second period, New Jersey scored four straight before three minutes passed in the third period. Baptiste’s third goal, a deflection off a shot from defenseman Devante Stephens, briefly gave Buffalo hope late in the third, but New Jersey answered with an empty-net goal seconds later.

Brandon Gignac scored twice for …

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