Accountability Key For Buffalo Sabres Success

With just three games under their belt, things aren’t looking too bad for the Buffalo Sabres right now.

After all, the team finally captured its first win of the season in a solid 4-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets Monday.

Much-lauded second-overall draft pick Jack Eichel already leads the team in goals, with two on the season – including a beauty of a move from Monday’s game.

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Matt Moulson, Eichel’s mentor and another leader on the team, is top on the team in points with three. Newcomers like Evander Kane, Ryan O’Reilly and Jamie McGinn have already begun making their marks, too.

Of course, it’s still incredibly early in the Buffalo Sabres season, and there are always things to work on. The absence of Robin Lehner is a factor to be contended with. But while goaltending, offensive scoring and defensive capability are all crucial factors for success, another factor that will prove key in the Buffalo Sabres’ ride to the top: accountability.

It’s crucial that players are able to not only recognize when they’re struggling, but to take responsibility for it. I’m not asking for a player, night-in and night-out, to blame himself for all the team’s mistakes. But knowing when you could have been better, could’ve stepped up, and being able to own up to that – that’s important, not just in hockey, but in life in general. And it’s especially important if you’re part of a team that’s hoping for success this season.

The good news is, this is already something the Buffalo Sabres are working on.

We’ve already seen an example of accountability when Buffalo Sabres forward Ryan O’Reilly commented after the team’s opening game, a loss to the Ottawa Senators.

“I felt pretty useless out there.”

O’Reilly made himself accountable for his actions.

“I just felt I was skating around out there, I wasn’t where I should’ve been a lot of the time and whether it was just overthinking or just out of position, I have to be much better for my linemates and for the team,” he said.

That’s… pretty important. For a player to own up to that, not only privately but to publicly comment on it – is big. Among other things, it shows leadership – and it’s even more crucial to follow up comments like that with improved play.

Head coach Dan Bylsma said he spoke to multiple players, many of whom owned up to their mistakes and held themselves accountable for it. And that’s great; now it’s a matter of seeing how those players, O’Reilly included, take these things and turn them into successes in the future.

It’s a long season ahead, but if players can hold themselves accountable, it will make it a heck of a lot easier for this team to grow — together.

Next: Robin Lehner Injury Update

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