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Buffalo Sabres: 3 things that must happen for 2021 playoff run

By Matt Hawkins

OTTAWA, ON - FEBRUARY 18: Brandon Montour #62 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrates his second goal of the game against the Ottawa Senators with teammates Jack Eichel #9, Sam Reinhart #23 and Rasmus Ristolainen #55 in the first period at Canadian Tire Centre on February 18, 2020 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - FEBRUARY 18: Brandon Montour #62 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrates his second goal of the game against the Ottawa Senators with teammates Jack Eichel #9, Sam Reinhart #23 and Rasmus Ristolainen #55 in the first period at Canadian Tire Centre on February 18, 2020 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images) /
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BUFFALO, NY – OCTOBER 09: Jake McCabe #19 of the Buffalo Sabres blocks a shot with Tomas Tatar #90 of the Montreal Canadiens looking for the rebound in front of Carter Hutton #40 of the Buffalo Sabres during the third period at KeyBank Center on October 9, 2019 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Nicholas T. LoVerde/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY – OCTOBER 09: Jake McCabe #19 of the Buffalo Sabres blocks a shot with Tomas Tatar #90 of the Montreal Canadiens looking for the rebound in front of Carter Hutton #40 of the Buffalo Sabres during the third period at KeyBank Center on October 9, 2019 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Nicholas T. LoVerde/Getty Images) /

1. The Buffalo Sabres will need to incorporate a good defensive structure to make the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The biggest problem with the Sabres is their defensive play. They haven’t finished in the top half of the NHL in goals against since the 2010-11 season. Many may say this is because of goaltending, but Ryan Miller was on the team until the 2013-14 season.

Some may also say this is because the team has lacked talent when it comes to their defensemen.

However, I’m here to say this issue runs much deeper than goaltender and defenseman talent. This is a coaching and structure issue. This is a discipline and accountability issue. The Buffalo Sabres need some type of structure and system implemented.

While this style of hockey may be considered “boring”, it has been proven to win games. With the talent Buffalo has upfront, in net, and at the blueline, a defensive structure that stresses the importance of playing for the team and as a team will benefit the Sabres enormously.

This type of structure should fix many of the Sabres issues. Playing better defense should help out both Ullmark and Hutton. This will also allow Buffalo to gain control of the puck quicker, leading to more offensive opportunities.

So, instead of allowing pucks into their own net, the Sabres will have control of the puck and be giving more opportunities to their big guns of Eichel, Olofsson, Reinhart, Skinner, and now Hall.

Next. Sabres prospects are key pieces on Team Canada in the IIHF WJC. dark

If the Sabres can successfully implement a sound defensive structure, get solid goaltending from both Ullmark and Hutton, and get consistent scoring from more than just three forwards, there’s no doubt in my mind they can make the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

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