The Buffalo Sabres put up seven goals without one of their star wingers, but can they sustain their high-octane play extensively?
The Buffalo Sabres have been remarkable lately. After stunning the Florida teams on back-to-back nights, the Blue and Gold returned home to put up seven goals on the Washington Capitals. Dylan Cozens came through strong with a hat trick while Vinnie Hinostroza, in his first NHL game since January 14th, knotted two points (one goal).
After I speculated on the topic earlier this morning, Jack Quinn stepped up into Tuch’s spot. But will the current incarnation of the Sabres lineup be sustainable productivity-wise? Regardless, I’m not expecting a trade for a forward, but don’t be surprised if some trade talk DOES occur….likely at the blue line.
Don’t expect the Buffalo Sabres to trade for a forward
Per Lance Lysowski’s of the Buffalo News’ tweet before the Sabres 7-4 onslaught, it looks as though Adams will work the phones, but he won’t do anything to put the Sabres long-term plans in jeopardy. Here is what Lysowski said:
Kevyn Adams made it clear that he's spoken with teams for weeks about all sorts of possible trades. Tuch's injury creates some "urgency" ahead of the deadline, but the Sabres still aren't interested in doing something that goes against their plan.
— Lance Lysowski (@LLysowski) February 26, 2023
Given the way Hinostroza stepped in and played well, plus Cozens’ surge and the fact five players combined for seven goals, urgency to acquire a forward probably isn’t the case here. Instead, it’s more likely that Buffalo goes after a physical defenseman to place onto the third pairing if the price is right for Adams, as the Sabres, after displaying some gritty play in Florida, again failed to finish checks against Washington, an ongoing theme this season.
This doesn’t mean Adams won’t surprise us with a forward. But again, thanks to the performances from the entire group, specifically Cozens and Hinostroza, it’s far more likely Adams looks for a defenseman as opposed to another forward.
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