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Buffalo Sabres Top Line: Kane, Ennis, O’Reilly

By Melissa Kania

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As the Buffalo Sabres prepare for this week’s season-opening games, one thing that already seems to be set is the team’s top line of Evander Kane, Tyler Ennis and Ryan O’Reilly.

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All three of those players, including the two newcomers to the Buffalo Sabres, are expected to produce big-time this coming season. Ennis has been one of the stronger points of the Sabres’ offense over recent years, and the additions of Kane and O’Reilly have been anticipated as major offensive pickups.

But how much will they do?

First, let’s look at the line as a whole. Ennis is the oldest at 25, with the other two both 24 years old. It’s a relatively young line, but still with enough combined and individual experience that, realistically, these guys know what they’re doing.

All three began playing in the NHL with the 2009-10 season, though Ennis spent only 10 games with the Buffalo Sabres and played most of that season in the AHL, whereas the other two jumped right into the NHL level at that point.

Here’s how they stack up, combined:

  • 1,133 regular season games of NHL experience, with 680 total points in that time – an average of 0.60 points/game.
  • That includes 288 goals and 392 assists — with 67 of 288 goals (roughly 23 percent) coming on special teams.
  • 34 game-winning goals combined.
  • Nearly 3,000 shots taken with an average shooting percentage of 10.2 percent.

O’Reilly has the most NHL experience of the three, with 427 regular season games under his belt. He also has the most points – 246 – and assists (156). But it’s Kane who has registered the most goals (109), and the most shots (1,214). In fact, Kane alone has registered only 485 fewer shots in his career than Ennis and O’Reilly combined.

It’s initially difficult to compare season-by-season results with these three, especially since Kane missed most of last season and played in just 37 games, and Ennis played on a Buffalo Sabres team that generally struggled in, well, everything.

But looking at the numbers, all have put up steady results, particularly recently. Over the past four seasons (since 2011-12), all have averaged better than 0.5 points/game. Last season, Ennis registered 46 points in 78 games (0.5897), while Kane registered 22 in 37 (0.5945) and O’Reilly, the best, notched 55 in 82 (0.6707).

Last season, the trio had a combined 123 points in 197 games — and that’s on individual efforts. What will happen when these three combine for an offensive explosion this season with the Buffalo Sabres?

Put it this way. If all three played at the exact same level they played at last season – that is, registering the same average points/game – and all played at 82 games, they would combine for 151 points. It’s likely that number will be even higher, however, given that they’ll likely spend most of the season on a line together, registering assists and goals all over the place.

Here’s how they compare over the past six regular NHL seasons.

Good players are good on their own merit, but they also make other players better. That’s an important factor to remember here, and one that will be a true determining factor in how this line works together.

Two-thirds of the Buffalo Sabres’ top line this season are going to be new pieces, but there’s absolutely no reason why these three shouldn’t combine for an incredible year. Add in time playing with guys like Sam Reinhart and Jack Eichel on the power-play. Defensemen like Josh Gorges and Zach Bogosian will help strengthen the effort.

So, Sabre Noise fans — how many points do you think the combined Buffalo Sabres top line of Evander Kane, Tyler Ennis and Ryan O’Reilly will get during the 2015-2016 season? Do you think Dan Bylsma and co. will keep the line together, or move pieces around as the season goes on? What other line combinations would you like to see?

Next: Should Eichel Be in Top Six?

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