Five Buffalo Sabres Players Who Need To Step Up

Oct 1, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Buffalo Sabres forward Marcus Foligno (82) after a fight with Minnesota Wild forward

(54) during the third period at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild won 6-1 over the Sabres. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports

5. Marcus Foligno

Marcus Foligno is just one of the Buffalo Sabres players who needs to step up this season. While Foligno has maybe never been known as the biggest goal-scorer and has been known more to contribute on the physical side of things, he’s struggled so far this season.

Foligno has registered four points in 12 games this year – all assists. Historically, he’s typically had more assists than goals, which is perfectly fine, but it’d be nice to see him contribute a little more offensively.

His ice time has been limited this year, which could be a part of why his numbers aren’t quite where we’d like them to be. Last year, Foligno averaged 16:13 per game; this season, he’s down to just 12:41 per game, or 17.8 shifts. He also has nine penalty minutes so far this season; he finished with 50 and 82 in the last two seasons, respectively.

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He also hasn’t been shooting as much, registering just seven shots in 12 games. Each of the past two seasons, Foligno has averaged at least one shot per game.

Another indication that his role with the Buffalo Sabres has changed: Foligno has yet to take a faceoff this season. Obviously as a left-winger, that’s not his primary job, but it HAS been a spot he’s filled into in past years. But with the wealth of centers the Sabres have now, he hasn’t been needed so much in that role.

If Foligno can step up and continue to play the physical, heavy forward role he’s been slotted into in the past years, he can help provide an aspect of the game that maybe isn’t as strong for the Buffalo Sabres at some points.

Next: 4. Mike Weber