Noah Ostlund, the current number four prospect for the Buffalo Sabres, earned Player of the Month honors for the Rochester Americans for March. Ostlund also won Player of the Week this past week for March 24th-30th as well. As playoffs are right around the corner for the Americans, seeing Ostlund get hot is a top priority for this team.
Ostlund recorded nine goals and five assists for 14 points in 11 games for Rochester in March. He started the month with goals against Syracuse and Laval, two division rivals against whom they are fighting for playoff positioning.
Ostlund recorded his first AHL hat trick on Mar. 22 also against Syracuse, and then scored the game-winning goal the next night against Utica. He had another goal in a victory over Bridgeport on Mar. 28. Then proceeded to have a three-point night at Syracuse on Mar. 29, and added a goal and an assist against Syracuse again on Mar. 30, finishing March with goals in five consecutive games and points in seven straight.
It is safe to say Syracuse had no answer for Ostlund this month, as he completely dominated them. Ostlund has totaled 18 goals and 17 assists for 35 points in 43 games with the Americans this season. The 21-year-old from Sweden leads AHL rookies in plus/minus rating at +20, and his 14 goals since the All-Star break are fourth-most for the entire league.
Can Ostlund be the X-Factor for the Americans
As the playoffs approach for the Americans, they currently sit in 2nd place in the North Division, just five points behind the Laval Rocket for first in the division. The Americans are going to need a player to step up in the playoffs if they match up with the Rocket, and I think Ostlund is just the guy they need.
With Ostlund getting on a hot streak before the playoffs and pairing him with Isak Rosen and Brett Murray, they could have one of the best lines in the AHL.
This also could be looked at as a tryout for Ostlund as he tries to crack the Sabres roster next year. The Sabres may be looking to fill some spots on their 3rd and 4th lines, it seems likely that Rosen will have one of those spots. Ostlund, however, could make the team as well if he keeps up his current pace moving forward.
The 21-year-old is excelling in his first full AHL season, he may still have some developing to do, but make no mistake, he will be a Buffalo Sabre in no time.