Buffalo Sabres Power Play Is Strong, But Not Clutch
By Adam DeRose
The Buffalo Sabres may own one of the league’s best power plays, but when it comes to timely goals, Buffalo’s special teams still lack.
There is no doubt that the Buffalo Sabres have an awesome power play this season. Even though the Sabres got spanked at home this past Tuesday 6-3 against the Flyers, they were still able to put up two power play goals. Both power play goals came at important times during the game. Evander Kane’s power play goal tied the game at one a piece, while Jack Eichel’s tied the game 2-2.
After the loss, I checked the NHL’s website to see where Buffalo ranked in the power play department. That night, they were tied with the Toronto Maple Leafs for the #1 spot. I checked today to see where the Blue & Gold ranked, and they have dropped down a spot to have the second best power play in the league. According to www.SportingCharts.com, the Buffalo Sabres, so far, have netted 48 power play goals this season. They are 3rd on the list, while Tampa tops the list with 51.
I am thrilled that the Buffalo Sabres finally have a well-oiled and efficiently running power play; it’s been many seasons since they could score consistently on the power play…at least one thing is going well for the team. With that being said, I still think there is still room for improvement for Buffalo’s power play.
I wish that the Buffalo Sabres could score on the power play when it really matters: when the game is on the line and winnable!
Last Saturday, the Buffalo Sabres hosted the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Blue & Gold headed into Overtime on the power play, but couldn’t seal the deal…needless to say, we lost that one in the Shootout.
A few games before, Buffalo found themselves in a similar situation. Buffalo was hosting the Nashville Predators. As the 3rd Period ended, Buffalo found themselves on the power play…yet again, they could not finish. We lost that game, too.
The last time the Buffalo Sabres scored in Overtime with the man advantage was on January 20, 2017 when Kyle Okposo beat the Detroit Red Wings goalie Petr Mrazek.
All signs point to the Buffalo Sabres play a better 5-on-4 power play compared to a 4-on-3 power play. I’m not complaining over here, but I would like to see the Sabres win games and earn valuable points, especially with the man advantage in OT. It’s been fun and entertaining watching the Sabres score on the power play this season, but then again, it’s always fun to see them score.