The Buffalo Sabres power play has been a pleasant surprise, thanks in large part to a . . . pleasant surprise!
Buffalo Sabres fans: I feel your pain.
When the Sabres lost Jack Eichel to a high ankle sprain during due to a fluky moment during practice, I felt your pain.
When Evander Kane went down during the team’s home opener, I was right there watching with the rest of you, and yes – I felt your pain.
And when the Sabres got pummeled by the Montreal Canadiens 4-1, when the season seemed over before it had even begun, when talk of tanking had already hit the Twitterverse, I was right here, commiserating with every last one of you.
But while we were all moping and trying to prepare for the worst, one man – the least likely, in all honesty – was doing more than just sympathizing with us; that man was putting on his cape and assuming the role of hero.
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That man, my friends, is none other than Matt Moulson.
Call me ridiculous if you want – I’ve been called worse, by family members, none the less! Your words can’t touch me.
And feel free to point out that Moulson has only played well in two games – you would be right, although you would be missing the point.
Which is this:
If Matt Moulson has found a way to remotely resemble the former player he was just two seasons ago, the Buffalo Sabres might be able to stay afloat until Eichel and Kane can return.
I’ll admit it: I was one of the fans who was ready to ship Moulson out of town following his dismal 21 point effort during the 2015-16 season. There’s no way to get around it: 21 points for a guy who spent three straight seasons scoring 30+ goals is not acceptable, especially when Moulson’s production was eclipsed by Jarome Iginla (38 years old, 41 points) and Jaromir Jagr (44 years old, 48 points) despite the fact that he is only 32 years-old and played in all but one of the Sabres’ games last season.
But right now, let’s give the man some credit (even if I’m exaggerating just a wee little bit with all of the hero talk): at this point, it appears that Moulson delivered on his promise to work hard over the summer to become the sort of productive scorer this team needs on the fourth line and the power play. He already has two power play goals in just the first two games of the season – wouldn’t it be nice if he continued to deliver when the Sabres had a man advantage? Hell, if that is ALL he does this season – score power play goals – that’s a huge win for this team.
The Buffalo Sabres will need a lot of players to man up if this team wants to make the 2016-17 season a step above what we saw in 2015-16. Today, it seems as if Matt Moulson is one of those players who was willing to heed the call even before adversity struck. Sometimes our heroes can be found in the most unlikely places, and admit it: you’re all rooting for Moulson as much as the next guy. Let’s hope he provides one of the feel-good stories of the year.