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Buffalo Sabres' best line is whichever one Zach Benson is on

ByBrandon Croce
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Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson (6) and Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (48) battle for the puck during the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson (6) and Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (48) battle for the puck during the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

At the beginning of this West Coast trip for the Buffalo Sabres, Lindy Ruff made a risky decision to split up their best line to this point in the season of Zach Benson, Noah Ostlund, and Jack Quinn. He elected to move Benson up to the top line with Tage Thompson and replace him with Josh Doan on a line with Ostlund and Quinn.

Now, after two games, it is clear that whatever line Zach Benson is on is the best line, as he is quietly putting together an impressive season. On Thursday night against the Ducks, he had a goal and two assists, while his line alongside Tage Thompson and Peyton Krebs combined for 11 points.

According to Natural Stat Trick, the line of Benson, Thompson, and Krebs had a CF% of 88.24% and an xGF% of 82.55%.

Prior to moving Benson, the line with him, Quinn, and Ostlund had a CF% of 67.35% and an xGF% of 66.41% in around 114 minutes of ice time. There is no question that this was their most consistent and productive line to begin the season. However, Quinn and Ostlund have now been on the ice together for 33 minutes without Benson and have a CF% of 33.85% and an xGF% of 37.86%.

Zach Benson does the little things that helps make a team successful

After six points in the first 10 games of the season, Benson has picked up in terms of points, with five in the past three games. However, his impact goes beyond goals and assists, and he is the type of player that every good team needs.

Benson is a player who doesn't give up on the puck; he will win those 50/50 pucks, continue to put pressure on the team with the forecheck, and is not afraid to go into the tough areas in front of the net. This type of play takes a toll on the opponents and also opens up the ice for his teammates.

He also does a great job setting up teammates and putting them in a spot to be successful. A perfect example was on Tage Thompson's first goal, as he took the pass at the blue line and was able to hit Thompson in stride. The Sabres' forward didn't have to slow down and was able to drive the net for his first of three goals on the night.

For the Sabres to have a player like Benson, it makes Lindy Ruff's job a little easier because he seemingly can play with anyone and whoever he does play with is going to get a boost.

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