Buffalo Sabres: Lack of offense least of concerns

There are two reasons the Buffalo Sabres could not score against the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday afternoon: They logged just 19 shots on goal they and won 38% of their face-offs.

It’s been a recurring theme for the Buffalo Sabres all season. Their lack of face-off wins cost them opportunities throughout the matinee. And it doesn’t matter how effective you are at scoring. If you log just 19 shots on goal across three periods, you’re beating nobody.

But lack of face-off wins and shots on goal shouldn’t concern the Sabres as much as the potential loss of Alex Tuch, injured during the third period of the contest. With 8:55 to go in the contest, the star winger ran into the goal post and was assisted off the ice.

Buffalo Sabres have a major problem regarding the loss of Alex Tuch

While we don’t need to push the panic button yet, it’s still wise to play the what-if card. What if Tuch misses an extended period? Who takes over for him on the Thompson line? Kyle Okposo is the first name that jumps out, given his resurgence in recent games. And much of Okposo’s recent success has come when playing directly behind Tuch.

Or, do the Sabres use Tuch’s injury as an opportunity to challenge their youth? Peyton Krebs has bounced out to left wing multiple times and it would be great to give him some experience on the Thompson line.

What about Victor Olofsson, who has also seen a resurgence lately? Or, what’s not to say head coach Don Granato shuffles his players around onto the Thompson line, assuming Tuch misses at least a few games?

We will find out as early as Monday when the Sabres face-off with the Florida Panthers. Odds are, Tuch will miss the contest. But it will give us some insight on Granato’s thought process when it comes to replacing one of the Sabres’ bright spots during this trying season.