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Buffalo Sabres reached a huge milestone for the first time since 2008

By Sion Fawkes

Feb 18, 2023; San Jose, California, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens (24) celebrates with left wing Victor Olofsson (71) after scoring a goal during the first period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2023; San Jose, California, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens (24) celebrates with left wing Victor Olofsson (71) after scoring a goal during the first period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Buffalo Sabres are just three points out of a wild card spot, and scoring is one huge reason why they’re keeping pace. 

When Dylan Cozens scored unassisted last night during first period in the Buffalo Sabres win over the San Jose Sharks, it marked the 20th time this season that he found twine. His goal gave the Blue and Gold its fifth 20-goal scorer of the year, which paces the NHL through 54 games.

But it also set a milestone, as the 2022-23 Buffalo Sabres have seen five 20-goal scorers for the first time since the 2007-08 team. That season, Jochen Hecht, Jason Pominville, Thomas Vanek, Alex Kotalik, and Derek Roy all achieved the mark.

This year, it’s Tage Thompson, Jeff Skinner, Alex Tuch, Victor Olofsson, and Cozens. And while the 2007-08 team saw just five players hit the mark all season, our current incarnation of the Sabres may supersede them.

2022-23 Buffalo Sabres could have six or more 20-goal scorers

Rasmus Dahlin has 14 goals in 53 games, putting him on pace to reach 21 in 81 contests. Despite being sixth on the team in goals scored, however, Dahlin has 59 points, tying him for second on the team.

The Sabres also have a few players within striking distance of 30-plus goals if their high-octane ways (201 goals in 54 games) continue. Tage Thompson has already made it, having scored 36 so far and is almost a shoo-in to reach 40.

Alex Tuch (26 goals), will likely hit the 30-goal milestone next, while Victor Olofsson (23 goals) is also within striking distance. Jeff Skinner (21 goals) and Dylan Cozens (20 goals) can also get there if they pick up their pace just a little.

light. Related Story. Sabres complete a remarkable season out west in win

Overall, whether the Sabres earn a trip to the playoffs or not this season, it wasn’t for lack of scoring on their part. Having five players to hit the 20-goal mark is a sign of a much-improved hockey team, and the Blue and Gold may see a sixth player join those ranks sooner than later.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)

Article Source: Observations: Sabres gain ground in playoff chase by solving Sharks in 4-2 win by Lance Lysowski

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