Buffalo Sabres: 3 incredible things experts said about Kyle Okposo

By Sion Fawkes | Jun 8, 2022

BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 11: Kyle Okposo #21 of the Buffalo Sabres in the corner with the puck as Martin Fehervary #42 of the Washington Capitals defends during the second period at KeyBank Center on December 11, 2021 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images) /

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BUFFALO, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 16: Dustin Tokarski #31 (L) and Kyle Okposo #21 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrate after a win against the Arizona Coyotes at KeyBank Center on October 16, 2021 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images) /

A return to form

It’s funny how well the Don Granato Effect works. And while neither Yardbarker nor The Hockey Writers mentioned it, the head coach’s presence surely played a big role in Okposo’s return to form.

Under Kreuger, Okposo wasn’t the only one who suffered and lost substantial playing time. It was a never-ending theme under the infamous head coach. And it likely contributed to Okposo’s lack of statistical success.

With Granato in charge, players like Okposo were no longer penalized if they made mistakes as long as they were aggressive with the puck. This brought hustle and purpose back into Okposo’s game.

In other words, Okposo was playing to win instead of playing not to lose, and there is a difference. That new mentality is what contributed to Okposo’s consistency when healthy. And you can expect more of it in 2022-23.

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