At last we have arrived at the most important offensive line for the Buffalo Sabres. The all important first line! Last season, the Buffalo Sabres had a first line that featured Zemgus Girgensons, Matt Moulson, and Tyler Ennis. Though they performed admirably, they were all way too far in over their heads to be as successful as the average first line.
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My requirements for a first line are really quite simple. Its involves some key elements, but there are a great number of combinations that make up a great first line, so I like to keep it really simple for my ideal one.
A first line to me is the primary source of offense. It should include the top scoring players on the roster, alongside a centerman that has poise and great two way play; top players like Pavel Datsyuk, Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos, Joe Thornton, the list can go on for days. For the current moment the Buffalo Sabres have three good enough players that should make up a solid first line.
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My picks for the first line to start off next season is Ryan O’Reilly at center, Matt Moulson on the right wing, and Evander Kane on the left wing.
Each of these players have great offensive abilities, and their play styles bounce pretty well off of one another.
Matt Moulson is typically a goal scoring winger, but last season he showed off more of his playmaking skills. Playing alongside of Girgensons and Ennis allowed him to use his vision much more and develop his passing skills further. By playing with O’Reilly at center, Moulson will have his opportunities to get to the front of the net to score goals, and with Kane opposite of him, his crisp passes will be key to offensive success.
Evander Kane is a goal scorer, plain and simple. He has every weapon in his arsenal to make opposing goaltenders shudder, and he is ready and waiting to use it for Buffalo this season. On top of his scoring ability is his power. He is able and willing to throw hits in both zones to weigh down defenses, and that will only open up more scoring chances for Moulson and O’Reilly.
O’Reilly is a defensively responsible counterman that can contribute pretty well to the offense. With top level passing ability and an above average shot, O’Reilly has what it takes to center a first line. His poise and skill down the middle will mesh well with Kane and Moulson to make the first line a true threat to opposing goaltenders.
Now, I want to stress that this line combination choice (as well as the others) are merely starting points for next season. As the year goes on, lines will be shuffled and chemistry will be found. I placed each of these players in these spots based on the skills they have and the potential they possess.
Should the lines look just like this or even a little similar to it, I have no doubt in my mind that the Sabres will be taken very seriously next season.
Let’s get out on the ice!
Next: The Buffalo Sabres Second Line
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