Sabres: An ice breaker week as Cozens nets first two goals

The Buffalo Sabres made a notable move in slotting young center Dylan Cozens into their second line, hoping the 19-year-old could help make an impact. And he’s done just that, scoring his first NHL goal on an impressive shot in Friday night’s game against the Washington Capitals.

After sitting during Sunday night’s shootout win over Washington as part of the team’s rotation for its young players, Cozens was back to his scoring ways on Tuesday against the Rangers.

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He netted his second career goal off a pass from Eric Staal on a power play with 7:10 left in the 1st period in last night’s 3-2 win against New York.

The 7th overall pick in the 2019 NHL draft has proved to be a difference-maker so far for the Sabres as they look to return to the postseason. Other new additions to the Sabres that were acquired through the draft, trade, and free agency have been made to improve on the lack of scoring and depth behind Jack Eichel and the team’s front line from last season. And score they have, as these new Sabres have quickly begun making their presence felt in the stat sheet to start the season.

The challenge that remains is translating this scoring into wins. The Sabres have found some momentum as they are winners of two in a row. They will look to keep up this momentum as the season continues to try to make a push for the postseason.

In the NHL’s unconventional start to an unconventional shortened season, in which divisions are realigned and camp was short, the team is working out the kinks and finding their way with many new faces. And Cozens appears to be carving his niche and finding his rhythm, as he aims to continue making the most of his opportunity.