One reason the Buffalo Sabres found themselves in a slump over the first half of November? Not enough players showed a competitive edge.
One reason I am not falling into the Tank for Bedard Sweepstakes is that the Buffalo Sabres have enough talent to live without him. Even if their record and stagnant play in November indicates otherwise.
Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson, Jack Quinn, Dylan Cozens, J.J. Peterka, Mattias Samuelsson, Jeff Skinner, Alex Tuch, Owen Power, Rasmus Asplund, and Henri Jokiharju are all players I can see sticking around long-term. Each has shown the ability to produce and play well, even during this (so far) tumultuous 2022-23 season.
But when I look at the above names, all but three lack consistency in one huge characteristic: Competitive drive 100% of the time. And it’s something head coach Don Granato pointed out following the loss to Toronto, the Sabres final loss until they broke the streak against Montreal.
However, he did recognize three players who have displayed a competitive nature time and again. Who are they? Keep reading for more.
1 – Rasmus Dahlin
Not so long ago, Dahlin was a quiet figure on the Buffalo Sabres who put his head down and was busy taking a stroll toward NHL Draft Bust Avenue. Funny how things have changed since the Don Granato Effect has taken over.
Right now, Dahlin set a precedent for what every single member of the Sabres should follow. He has become a vocal leader who also loves to jaw and scuffle with opponents like an enforcer. And once he’s had his say, he’ll score on you, laugh at you, then scuffle some more. Expect Dahlin to not only continue to grow as a star player, but into a player who will strike fear in opponents.
2 – Dylan Cozens
Cozens may be the chippiest player on the Buffalo Sabres. He is still coming into his own offensively, with 15 points in 21 games, putting him on pace for 59 points this season. However, you cannot deny his tenacity, and I can’t name many players on the team who fights for the puck past the whistle.
Which often ends up with him getting into shoving matches with opponents. But you can’t deny Cozens’ presence helps build the team’s energy. Once he figures out how to score consistently, watch out. Cozens is going to turn into the forward version of Dahlin, guaranteed.
3 – Tage Thompson
I have such a high pain tolerance that I can often work through most ailments. But if there is one thing no level of pain could tolerate, it’s being on the receiving end of a shot on goal from Tage Thompson.
Sure, it takes size and strength to consistently get off shots that travel as quickly as 97 mph, but it also takes a heightened sense of urgency, and Tage displays it every time he shoots the puck.
How many sticks has he broken this season? Anyone have a clue? I’ve counted at least six, but there could be more. As his defensive game improves and he continues to fill out that massive 6’7 frame of his, I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of anything Tage dishes out. Especially if he’s skating down the ice at full speed.
If he’s skating down the ice at, say, even 15 mph, multiplied by his current bodyweight of 217, that’s 3,255lb of force crashing into you. At 20 mph? 4,340lb. And given his increased level of competitiveness, you can bet he’ll start making opponents think twice sooner than later.
Article Source: Postgame Report | Sabres emphasize work following loss to Leafs by Jourdon LaBarber
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