The impact of Alex Tuch was felt last game for the Buffalo Sabres. But his impact for the team has lasted for the entire 2022-23 season.
After falling behind 2-0 to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Buffalo Sabres scored four unanswered goals enroute to a 4-3 win on Monday night. A huge reason is Alex Tuch, who awesome fans like Patrick Vogel inspired us to write a full piece regarding the forward’s impact on this team.
Impact of Alex Tuch
— Patrick Vogel (@PatrickVogel_13) March 14, 2023
For the last two weeks, Tuch has been out with an injury that forced him to go on injured reserve. In the eight games he missed, the team went 2-5-1. Ever since Tuch was traded to Buffalo last season, he means so much to the team and the community.
You can argue that he was the first player to have that “I want to be here” mentality that Kevyn Adams and Don Granato preach. During his career with Buffalo, the Sabres are 53-45-10 with him according to StatMuse. It’s pretty clear how much the Sabres miss him and it wasn’t more evident than Monday night after beating the Leafs.
Alex Tuch brings a larger than life impact to the Buffalo Sabres
Him being on a line with Tage Thompson and Jeff Skinner is critical for Buffalo and you can make a case that they are one of the best lines in the NHL. At this moment, Tage has 42 goals, Jeff has 29 goals and Alex has 30 goals. Not only does having Tuch spark the entire team, but it sparks the first line as well.
Most importantly, he’s back to help the Sabres make a push for the playoffs. Currently, Buffalo is five points out of a playoff spot. If they take care of business tonight against the Washington Capitals and the New York Islanders lose in regulation against the Anaheim Ducks tonight, they will be three points out.
Buffalo is playing meaningful games in March and if they want to break the drought, Tuch is going to be a huge part why. They missed him when he was out and if he can stay healthy along with other members of the team, then they have a chance going into the final stretch of the season to make a run.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)