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Buffalo Sabres: Owen Power’s struggles should surprise nobody

By Sion Fawkes

Oct 27, 2022; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power (25) looks to control the puck during the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2022; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power (25) looks to control the puck during the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Owen Power has struggled over the first seven games of the Buffalo Sabres season, but that should surprise no one. It isn’t all bad, however. 

A former number one overall pick who played well in a cameo last season, the Buffalo Sabres faithful were ecstatic to see the rookie exceed expectations. In the preseason, Power looked calm and collected with the puck. Then came the regular season and, what happened, exactly?

At best, Power has been spotty, something we saw last night when he got his first taste on the first line in regular season play. It ended with him deflecting the puck past goaltender Eric Comrie and into his own net. Hard luck play from the rookie.

Through seven games, the two-way Power has just two points and zero goals. He also has just two takeaways, and a Corsi For% of 43.9% at even strength. Power’s Fenwick at even is no better at 41.9%. But it isn’t all doom and gloom, and this by no means indicates Power is a bust after just a measly 15 career games.

Owen Power will come through for the Buffalo Sabres

Personally, I have no doubt that Power will come through and contend for the Calder. I predicted these early struggles, so I’m not surprised. Last year, the Sabres were on a roll and he joined them for an eight-game stretch where opponents had no professional film on him.

Now, they do have that film and they know how to counter the former first overall pick, yet it is just a matter of time before he figures it out. Because under head coach Don Granato, it’s all but a given.

Power isn’t the only former first round pick to struggle early. Rasmus Dahlin saw his struggles, as did Tage Thompson, another former first-rounder. And again, it isn’t all doom and gloom; the Sabres save percentage with Power on the ice sits at 92%. He also has 12 blocks, indicating a nose for the puck, plus 22:44 of average time on-ice.

Trending. Sabres showed aggression, resilience in loss to Montreal. light

Yeah, he had a slow start to the season. But you should neither be surprised nor worried about it. Power will make major strides, and I am projecting him to have a huge second half, probably following the All-Star break. Until then, expect some struggles, but you can also look for steady improvement.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)

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