Why scoring first is a key stat for the Buffalo Sabres in 2023-24

There is one ultra-important statistic that has defined the Buffalo Sabres 2023-24 season through the first seven games, and it could turn into a trend.

As it is in every sport, scoring first is key because it gives you an early advantage and gives you the chance to dictate the game. Whether it’s a goal, run, touchdown or point, if you get the scoring started then you have the advantage right away.

For the Buffalo Sabres, scoring the first goal has been the key. Whether they scored first or their opponent scored, it pretty much told us who was going to win the game and who would end up being the loser.

When Buffalo scored the first goal, they are undefeated. When they don’t score the first tally, they have not won a single game. The Sabres are 3-4-0 on the season, their three wins is when they scored first and the four losses they did not.

Now I know it’s a small sample size but as of now, scoring first has been critical for Buffalo. I’m not an analytical person, but you don’t need to be to know that scoring first gives you better chances to win the game.

Buffalo Sabres have been winning when they score first in 2023-24

As we saw against Tampa Bay and Ottawa, you can score first but no lead is safe. Especially when you are a young team like the Sabres. Just because you scored the first goal of the game does not mean you are going to win.

I know I may sound contradicting here because I’m saying scoring first has pretty much dictated who will win the matchup but it will not be like that all season long. In the first week and a half of the Sabres season, it is becoming a trend.

I will leave you with this. If Buffalo wants to have a winning record by the end of the weekend, scoring first will be key because of their opponents. On Friday night, the Sabres will take on the New Jersey Devils and on Sunday afternoon, they will face off against the Colorado Avalanche.

After splitting two games against teams they could have won both games, getting the lead first will be huge against two Stanley Cup contenders. Worry about defending the lead later on but in order to get the lead, you need to score first. It won’t be easy over the next two games but if Buffalo can get the first lead, then I feel confident they will be able to get the victory.

(Information provided by Hockey-Reference)