Next men up lead off burning questions for the Buffalo Sabres in Week 9
By Sion Fawkes
2 – Will the Sabres learn to convert chances into goals?
Despite the 1-3-0 record last week, it was good to see the Sabres getting shots on net, as outlined in last night’s postgame piece. But until they get consistent at taking advantage of bad rebounds, or getting a player or two in front of the net to throw the opposing goaltender off-guard, they aren’t rediscovering their old identity from 2022-23 this week.
The Sabres also need to learn how to adjust their game plan, as far too often, they lapse into a bad habit of repeating strategies that aren’t working. So if they get shots to and traffic around the net, yet that opponents are stifling that approach, then perhaps driving the puck more will, or quickly finding open passing lanes and shooting when there is an open look.
If the Blue and Gold can build off the shots on net they generated last week and convert, perhaps they at least keep things interesting. But they also can’t afford any lapses and struggle through performances when they generate between 15 and 22 shots on net, which occurred earlier in the year.