Before the trade deadline, the Buffalo Sabres were buyers, acquiring Jordan Greenway and Riley Stillman in separate trades.
The Buffalo Sabres, who once upon a time sat in the WC2 spot, acquired two assets in Jordan Greenway and Riley Stillman, believing the two would help them break into the playoffs for the first time in nearly 12 seasons. What they got, however, was a massive regression unlike anything we’ve seen all season.
Since Stillman came to Buffalo, the Sabres are 2-5-2 with him in the lineup. As for Greenway, the Blue and Gold are 1-5-2. Is it any coincidence that last night, the Sabres looked like themselves again – a high-octane team who eeked out enough goals to beat a formidable opponent – without Stillman and Greenway?
Obviously, a one-game sample size proves nothing. But it’s also appropriate to point out that not only did the Sabres regress since trading for Stillman and Greenway, they were arguably the worst team in the NHL for a stretch.
Should the Buffalo Sabres roll without Greenway, Stillman?
It’s no secret that Greenway has been underwhelming since coming to Buffalo. Stillman has had his moments, but he clearly hasn’t improved anything. Both have been physical, and that edge is something the Sabres need. But that’s about all the value they’ve brought thus far.
And this isn’t to say Greenway’s presence, or Stillman’s, was responsible for the team playing its worst hockey of the season. Several variables factor into that, and the Sabres have yet to enjoy a decent stretch defensively.
But you can’t ignore the fact that the second they’re both scratched, Stillman as a healthy scratch and Greenway, because of an injury, Buffalo suddenly reverted back into a high-octane team. And one that at least allowed fewer than five goals in a game.
At this point, it might be wise to sit Greenway and Stillman from here on out. They won’t, I mean, they traded a second round pick for Greenway. He’s playing. But really, if the Sabres give up five-plus goals again with the two in the lineup, or even one of the two, they would do well to consider ending the Stillman-Greenway experiment early.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)