Buffalo Sabres: A way too early look inside the numbers

Forwards

What can you say about newly anointed captain Jack Eichel? He is quickly earning the “C” on his jersey by being the true leader of the club, especially the offense. He is fifth in the league among forwards for average time on ice at 22:09, which continues the trend of his time on ice increasing every year of his career.

Jack Eichel leads the team in goals (3) and points (4). Eichel is also leading the rejuvenated Buffalo Sabres power play. Last year’s power play for the Sabres was absolutely abysmal so it is refreshing seeing the club get off to such a strong start with the man advantage.

Conor Sheary scored 2 power play goals against the Rangers, the first time he has ever scored 2 power play goals in one game. Last season only 6 Sabres had more than 1 power play goal the entire season and 2 power play goals were scored in a single game twice (Sam Reinhart and Ryan O’Reilly).

Sheary was moved up to the top line with Eichel and Reinhart for the second game and he has also been a part of the top power play unit along with Eichel, Reinhart, Kyle Okposo, and defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.

Jeff Skinner has not been the offensive force that was hoped for thus far however the second line of Skinner, Okposo, and Patrik Berglund has played very well in terms of driving possession. Okposo and Skinner lead Sabres forwards in CF% rel (the team’s shot attempts when they are on the ice compared to the team’s shot attempts when they are off the ice).

The third line and fourth line have been reversed in their amount of time on the ice, however this is due to the Zemgus Girgensons and Evan Rodrigues killing penalties. Casey Mittelstadt and Tage Thompson have played well enough but in limited action with both seeing little time on the power play and zero time on the penalty kill.