Cody Hodgson Needs To Step Up Versus Dallas Stars

Having lost to the St. Louis Blues 3-0 a couple of days ago to kick off the homestand, the Buffalo Sabres are back in action tonight against the Dallas Stars. Both teams are having trouble putting wins on the board and have some key defensive issues. Tonight will be a showing of who has more heart, and which team has a key player show up in an effective way.

Buffalo Sabres Scope

Buffalo is 1-9-0 in their last ten games and is in need of some offensive push by key players. Normally I would point my finger in the direction of Matt Moulson for this issue, but he has had some quality showings in the last couple games and seems to be finding a rhythm playing on the second line. The man I am going to be posting to tonight is none other than Cody Hodgson. It is no secret that the former rookie sensation has dropped off in his production this season, but that does not mean all hope is lost. He has been shooting much more in recent games and has found some quality scoring chances.

Another thing that stood out about Hodgson the last few games is his willingness to throw his body around a little more. He is no longer just floating around and doing his best Derek Roy impression by poking around with his stick, he is actually going into corners and digging for pucks. That has led to a few more offensive opportunities. Tonight is the game where he needs to make a distinct impact. He only has 2 goals and 6 assists for 8 points in 50 games played. That is far off from what was expected.

According to sabres.com Hodgson is expected to play on a line with Drew Stafford and Brian Flynn. Stafford will provide a solid set of playmaking skills for Hodgson to shoot with and Flynn will give him more room by playing a pest role or that line.

Dallas Scope

The Dallas Stars have been struggling to put up wins this year despite having one of the league’s best scorers. That man is Tyler Seguin and he has 57 points in 51 games thus far. He will be the man looked to find the back of the net for the Stars tonight.

The Stars have been fortunate enough to have a rookie sensation in the defenseman John Klingberg. He has 10 goals this season and he will be a force to watch from the back end of the Stars offensive push. Being fifth on the Stars in scoring he will need to be tracked by the Sabres forwards.

Prediction

This game leans in favor of the stars as far as skill goes and there is not doubt of that whatsoever, but the fact still remains that the Stars have a goals against per game of 3.24 and the Sabres offense (specifically Cody Hodgson) could pick on this. If the offense can finally get themselves in line the Sabres will win this one by a score of 3-2, but if they let loose Tyler Seguin and then Buffalo will get lit up by a score of 5-1.

Enroth Starts in goal for the Sabres and Anders Lindback starts for Dallas tonight.

LET’S GO BUFFALO!!