Buffalo Sabres Lineup: The Second Forward Line

By Jacob D. Strozyk | Aug 31, 2015

The time has come for my second installment of this short series. Last time we had a look at the Buffalo Sabres third forward line which I stated should feature Johan Larsson, Brian Gionta, and Sam Reinhart. Today we are going to decide which forwards should make up the Buffalo Sabres second line.

Related – Buffalo Sabres Lineup: The Third Forward Line

As I said in the previous article, I have very specific qualities that I would expect out of each line. That does not change with the second line. A third line is designed to round out the offense while also not giving up defensive stability. While that is valuable, a second line should feature a much different look. A second forward line in the NHL is meant to be a big part of the primary scoring. It should feature a power forward, a playmaking center or winger, and a scoring winger or center.

I think this second line makes the most sense to start the season for the Buffalo Sabres; and boy does it make me smile.

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For the second line, the Buffalo Sabres should have Jack Eichel playing center with Tyler Ennis and Zemgus Girgensons on the wings. It’s a line that seems just a little too good to be true as far as my qualifications go.

Having Jack Eichel starting on the second line as a center is the premier option. He excelled in college against other men (and at the World Championships) so he is capable of holding his own. He already possesses NHL caliber speed so he won’t be left behind on many plays. On top of all of that, he owns an NHL frame at 6’2, 198lbs.

Jack Eichel is a shooter. There really isn’t much else to say besides the fact he can put the puck in the back of the net like a true sniper. Though he has no NHL experience, having him in the top six to start the year would help him adjust to the game much quicker. He can shoot, pass, and score so he is my perfect candidate for the second line center.

Zemgus Girgensons is a fantastic power forward with the best work ethic on the Buffalo Sabres (with Ennis close behind him). He has finesse with his hands and he moves like a train; running over opponents to get to the net, and with speed to boot. Having Girgensons play on the wing alongside Eichel would benefit them both. Girgensons will find his way to the net at any cost, which will open more lanes for Eichel to shoot.

Tyler Ennis was the Buffalo Sabres leading scorer last season so I understand why some people may dislike me having him on the second line. Bear with me for a minute while I explain why. Ennis has the speed and the skill to play on the first line for sure, and he showed that last year, but he fits much better with Girgensons and Eichel on the second line.

Ennis is small and is known for his speed and his shiftiness. His hands are so quick, and his feet are just as quick that he is able to keep opponents guessing on what he will do. He is the ace in the hole for the second line because neither of his line mates can be left with open space, or they will be scoring at will. Should Eichel and Girgensons be covered well enough, Ennis has the creativity and skill to make an offensive play happen at any moment.

Combining the speed of all three, the scoring ability, and the overall skill of these forwards makes them very dangerous. They all have qualities that compliment the other two, so it leaves the Buffalo Sabres with a distinct scoring threat. In my opinion, this could be one of the best second lines in the league next season.

With the potential for key offensive production, and eventual player chemistry, Tyler Ennis, Zemgus Girgensons, and Jack Eichel should make up the Buffalo Sabres second line.

Next: Sabres Prospect Challenge Line Projections

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