Sabre Noise
Fansided

3 major improvements Buffalo Sabres must make in final stretch

By Sion Fawkes

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Jack Quinn #22 of the Buffalo Sabres skates the puck against the Los Angeles Kings in the first period at Crypto.com Arena on February 13, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Jack Quinn #22 of the Buffalo Sabres skates the puck against the Los Angeles Kings in the first period at Crypto.com Arena on February 13, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Feb 15, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Henri Jokiharju (10) handles the puck against the Anaheim Ducks in the first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2 – Special Teams

After enjoying one of the better power plays earlier in the season, the Buffalo Sabres have since stagnated in the department. It was so good earlier that they’re still miraculously in the top ten in overall conversions, fifth as of Wednesday night.

Although the Sabres converted a power play goal in their win over Anaheim, they had five opportunities, giving them a conversion rate of 20%, five points below their season average of 25%. While they looked better at times in Wednesday night’s win, Buffalo, overall, was still sloppy on the man advantage.

The penalty kill unit had an easier time, killing off both of Anaheim’s power plays. But with a PK% of 72.44, the Sabres rank 30th in the league, above only the Vancouver Canucks and Seattle Kraken, making them the worst in the Eastern Conference in the category.

Once again, it comes down to positioning. Too often, the Sabres leave opponents wide open, and they also let them screen the goaltender as players are routinely out of position. Other times, they’re not clearing the puck, preventing themselves from making much-needed line changes.

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