There are always positives in the Buffalo Sabres organization. Even amidst a losing culture.
Buffalo Sabres‘ affiliate, the AHL’s Rochester Americans, have looked good at times. However, following a convincing win over the Charlotte Checkers on Wednesday night, the Amerks have dropped their last two games by a score of 10-3.
The Amerks, who have been in contention all season long in the minor league hockey ranks, have taken a step back. But turbulence within the Sabres’ roster shoulders part of the blame. Since injuries and COVID-19 have hit the Sabres hard, it’s led to call-ups and taxi-squads, trickling down to numerous lineup changes among the Amerks.
Buffalo Sabres AHL affiliate showing a no-quit attitude
Amerks coach Seth Appert isn’t one to admit defeat so easily. While inconsistency has plagued the AHL club recently, Appert sees consistency and grit given the circumstances. He knew they’d need to use makeshift lineups, play a grind-and-grit style of hockey, and find new ways to win or at least stay competitive over the past seven weeks.
Key contributors like Peyton Krebs, J.J. Peterka, Arttu Ruotsalainen, Brett Murray, Jack Quinn, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen have all seen time with the parent club at some point during the season. So even without their star players, the Amerks have at least hovered around .500.
Since December 18th, they’re 9-7-2-1, and since the Amerks have found ways to win even during dire circumstances, this seven-week stretch has shown they’re capable of taking on any trial. Appert has seen that, so the fact they’ve picked up 17 out of 34 possible points since December 29th shows just how deep the Amerks are.
For Sabres fans, this means there are more diamonds in the rough down in Rochester than Peterka, Quinn, and Krebs, to name a few. If the Amerks continue to remain thin given the injuries and health protocols the Sabres have dealt with, it’s a foreboding sign that this organization is running deep with young talent.
No, they won’t keep everyone in the organization. That’s impossible. But, the Sabres will have a lot of trade opportunities waiting for them if the Amerks continue to show their prowess on the ice even when shorthanded.