Experts Agree: The Buffalo Sabres should be looking for physicality

The Buffalo Sabres could be buyers at the trade deadline IF they remain in sound wild card contention following next week’s gauntlet. 

Mike Harrington and Lance Lysowski of Buffalo News recently offered their takes on what the Buffalo Sabres need if they were to buy at the trade deadline. And their takes fall right in line with most of the fanbase’s.

While the Blue and Gold are a better hockey team this season, flaws exist in their game. Some include overcomplicating things on offense and on the power play, but as one of the NHL’s highest-scoring teams, they can often overcome these issues. They are also one of the most, if not the most, unphysical team in the NHL.

Teams routinely outmuscle them physically, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they’ve garnered a reputation for being “soft” across league circles. It’s an adjective that most fans can agree on if they had to use one word to describe the team’s physical prowess, or lack thereof.

Harrington, Lysowski agree the Buffalo Sabres need physicality

So what did the dynamic duo over at Buffalo News have to say? Here are snippets from each:

“General Manager Kevyn Adams should add a left- or right-shot defenseman who can help the Sabres’ struggling penalty kill. Skating ability is also a must. Slow-footed forwards and defensemen don’t fit in Granato’s system.“For toughness at forward, Adams should call Red Wings General Manager Steve Yzerman about winger Tyler Bertuzzi. A pending unresticted free agent, Bertuzzi plays angry and brings a physical presence the Sabres need.” – Lance Lysowski via Buffalo News.

At Sabre Noise, we talked about both acquiring a defenseman and have even explored possibility of adding Tyler Bertuzzi.

So what did Harrington say on the subject? Pretty much the same thing as Lysowski. Check out his take in the snippet below:

“A third-pair D and a bottom-6 forward, both of whom can add physicality. Maybe the forward doesn’t even play every night but he certainly takes the ice for the two games in Florida (to help the Sabres better deal with Matthew Tkachuk) as well the two meetings with Boston and perhaps some others.” – via Buffalo News.

I absolutely love how Harrington outlined these possible trades with the Atlantic Division in mind. Making a trade for the right price would set this team up to deal with their more physical division rivals. He specifically pointed out Matthew Tkachuk, and he’s a player the Sabres must keep in line, because they’ll also be facing him often in the coming seasons. He also pointed out Boston, but I’d also like to personally add Toronto to that list.

In short, buying at the trade deadline while thinking about how to best compete with the rough, tough Atlantic Division isn’t a bad idea. Assuming any potential trade doesn’t break the bank, that is.

Source: Sabres roundtable: Playoffs? Deadline move? MVP of second half? Dahlin’s contract? by Mike Harrington and Lance Lysowski

Want your voice heard? Join the Sabre Noise team!

Write for us!