The Buffalo Sabres used different lines in Friday’s practice, so is it a sign they are rolling with a new set tonight vs. the New York Islanders?
In yesterday’s practice, the Buffalo Sabres rolled with a new set of lines following four games of inept offense. To open the season, the Blue and Gold have yet to score over three goals in a game, and the mistakes made in the offensive zone have been aplenty.
Therefore, head coach Don Granato saw that it made sense to break up most of the forward lines, and that could carry over into tonight’s game vs. the New York Islanders or, perhaps at a later date. If you didn’t see the line combos for Friday, don’t fear – just check out the post below from Twitter/X.
Significant changes to the Sabres’ lines at practice:
— Lance Lysowski (@LLysowski) October 20, 2023
Greenway-Thompson-Cozens
Skinner-Mittelstadt-Tuch
Peterka-Jost-Olofsson
Girgensons-Krebs-Okposo
Defense pairs are the same.
Buffalo Sabres could bust out a new look on Goathead night
Perhaps the most notable change goes to Dylan Cozens, who is playing wing on the top line as opposed to forward. Cozens has had a pair of great games, and Jordan Greenway, despite struggling on Thursday, has also brought a few stellar contests to the table. Both forwards have shown they can score over the last few contests.
If you remember correctly, the Skinner-Mittelstadt-Tuch line looked pretty good late last season, so it makes sense to put them together. This is an intriguing trio who, if they rediscover their magic, won’t draw many complaints from the fanbase.
We got JJ Peterka and Victor Olofsson flanking Tyson Jost, so this third line is the most interesting. Olofsson and Peterka shared a line with Cozens earlier in the season, so the two should be familiar with playing alongside one another – and Olofsson should finally have a chip on his shoulder.
Finally, we go our most familiar line back, with Peyton Krebs centering Kyle Okposo and Zemgus Girgensons. We know how well they can play defensively, so once again, this line also makes sense for Granato to utilize.
Will we see these lines or a variation thereof take center stage tonight? We should know a few hours before game time what the Buffalo Sabres plans will look like heading into the contest.