The Buffalo Sabres may have surprised all of us when they went out to California and strung together three straight road wins. That was more than an excellent outing, and it will pump up fans if they keep this rhythm going during their upcoming homestands, which will set the stage for one memorable December.
Hey, at that point, we might just be talking about ‘buying’ at the trade deadline. And they may need to, with a pair of players dramatically underperforming. They’re both our ‘not-so-good’ surprises, but that doesn’t mean a few players haven’t taken us aback in better ways.
Let’s talk about the five most surprising players throughout the first quarter of the season, the good and the bad.
Good - Jason Zucker
Through the first quarter of the season, Jason Zucker is sixth in points and fourth among Sabres forwards, with 14 so far in 21 games. While the physical edge I hoped he’d bring has been nonexistent, Zucker has more than made up for it with a solid offensive showing, and he’s on pace to snag 20 goals this season.
The Sabres are also effective when Zucker’s on the ice at even strength, even if he’s not pitching in, evidenced by a 13.4 on-ice shooting percentage and plus-50 percent Corsi For. If his through rating improves, Zucker will be even more effective.
Bad - Jack Quinn
At this point, it’s hard for me to be optimistic that Jack Quinn will turn what has been an ill-fated season around. He’s got one goal and five points in 20 games, and he’s still averaging one giveaway per contest, none of which bode well if he plans on sticking around any longer.
Even Quinn’s advanced numbers at even strength are bleak, with a 6.5 on-ice shooting percentage and an 88.6 on-ice save percentage. Quinn is at least plus-50 in Corsi For, but until he makes the most of those chances in the offensive zone, it doesn’t matter much.
Good - Peyton Krebs
Peyton Krebs may have only seven points and three goals so far, but those aren’t bad numbers for a player who has just 12:18 of average total ice time. Krebs still lands body checks regularly, and with a healthy 20.0 shooting percentage, finishing the year with between 12 and 15 goals isn’t out of the question.
He’s been on the ice at even strength for plenty of goals overall, with a 14.6 on-ice shooting percentage. Yeah, his defensive numbers can increase at this point, but Krebs has come alive offensively with the time on ice he’s been given, and that’s a bit of a relief.
Bad - Dylan Cozens
Dylan Cozens is still logging top-six minutes overall, with an average of 17.46 per game, but wow, four goals and just a 6.6 shooting percentage in what needed to be a resurgent season hasn’t boded well for Cozens.
On the plus side, I love his physical play, with 46 hits so far. He’s also getting 62.9 percent of all his shots through to the net, so that’s another plus. The problem, however, is that they’re about the only two positive numbers I can find for Cozens, and for a player who was supposed to make an impact for a while, he’s been beyond disappointing.
Good - Owen Power
With 15 points in 21 games, it’s safe to say the No. 1 pick has officially arrived. Power enjoyed a hot start this season, and it looks like he intends to keep it that way with three goals, an 8.1 shooting percentage, and 33 blocks.
And he’s been more than consistent, with a 50.0 through percentage, a 13.1 on-ice shooting percentage at even strength, and a solid 52.1 Corsi For. Power is well on pace to snag double-digit goals, and there’s still an excellent chance he’ll end the season either near or at the 60-point mark.