5 moves the Buffalo Sabres must make to become contenders
By Sion Fawkes
Figure Out the Lower Lines
The top line featuring Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, and Jeff Skinner isn’t exactly reminiscent of the French Connection. Not yet, anyway. But they’re good enough for the Sabres to look toward their lower lines. Ditto for the first pairing on defense comprising Rasmus Dahlin and Henri Jokiharju.
However, competition remains fierce at the lower lines. Dylan Cozens, Peyton Krebs, and Victor Olofsson have each had their moments, with Olofsson coming off of a two-goal game. The 20-year-old Cozens is fifth on the team in points and third in goals scored, and he’s a viable candidate to solidify himself on the second-line.
Peyton Krebs is a revelation, and he can work his way into becoming a permanent fixture on the second line. But there is still a lot of shuffling going on. And that’s okay for the remainder of the season if Sabres coach Don Granato can use the time to figure out the lineups heading into 2022-23.