Top 3 Buffalo Sabres that must find their rhythm in last 14 games

The Buffalo Sabres are facing off vs. the Boston Bruins for a matinee game today. And there are five players who must get back on track. 

The Buffalo Sabres have gone from legitimate NHL playoff contender to NHL playoff pretender within a one-month span. Sure, injuries have taken their toll. When Alex Tuch went down, for example, so did the team’s high-octane ways.

Even in lieu of Tuch’s return, the Sabres are still struggling. Their penalty kill and defensive rotation is spotty at best, but when Mattias Samuelsson misses time, it sinks to new lows.

But what separates good players from great players? Often, it involves picking up the slack when necessary, and elevating their team in the face of adversity. And the three struggling players listed below are those we thought would do just that.

3 Buffalo Sabres who need to regain their rhythm

1 – Tage Thompson

As it stands, Tage Thompson has reverted into pre-2021-22 Tage Thompson over the last seven games. Okay, so maybe that’s a little harsh, but when I’m getting at is that he’s played nowhere near the level that gave him a would-be nod to the NHL All-Star Game earlier this season.

Tage has just 23 shots on net over the past seven contests, and just five assists. Sure, opponents are keying on Tage more than ever. But it’s up to him to get more creative when in the offensive zone.

2 – Dylan Cozens

Dylan Cozens scored back-to-back goals nearly two weeks ago against the Edmonton Oilers and New York Islanders. Since then, he’s disappeared, with just two points in the Buffalo Sabres win over Toronto over the past five outings.

Last season, Cozens saw similar struggles in the second half of the season. While he’s been far more productive this year, it’s clear that he still needs to grow more consistent with his game. But, he’s also a player that still has yet to reach his potential.

3 – Rasmus Dahlin

Rasmus Dahlin is the ONE PLAYER on this list who I’d even remotely consider giving a free pass to because I’m 100% certain he’s not 100% healthy. But if you’re healthy enough to play, you need to be better than (-10) since March 6th if you’re one of the league’s best defensemen.

A two-way player, Dahlin has been shutout over the past seven contests. Sure, he’s had as good of a year from a defenseman as you can ask for. But it’s clear Dahlin isn’t the player he was over the first 60 games of the season.

I get that he’s probably playing through an injury. Yet again, if you’re healthy enough to be on the ice, you need to uphold your fair share. He’s not doing that.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)

Source: Inside the NHL: Top players simply haven’t carried their weight of late for Sabres by Mike Harrington, BuffaloNews.com