The Buffalo Sabres last season finished in the Top 10 in goals scored with 269, which was good enough to be the eighth-highest total in the league. It was a notable improvement from the season prior when they finished with only 246.
Even with the improvement, there is a chance to be even better this upcoming season if they can generate more chances in front of the net. According to NHL EDGE, the Sabres actually led the league in shooting percentage in high-danger locations at 23.4%, more than half a percentage point higher than the rest of the league.
This was due in large part to Tage Thompson, who was second among forwards with a percentage of 44.7%. However, collectively as a team they just didn't get enough chances in this part of the ice to really capitalize on the shooting percentage and something they need to improve this season.
Buffalo Sabres struggled to get shots in high-danger situations last season
A high shooting percentage is great but if the chances aren't there then it limits the impact that it can have. That was the case for the Sabres as they had only 509 shots on goal and 119 goals last season in this part of the ice, which was in the bottom half of the league in both categories.
This was an improvement over the prior season as they had more shots (572) but fewer goals (88). However, there is still room for improvement and the Sabres should be looking to try and get more pressure on goalies in front of the net.
If they are able to average just one more shot per game in this part of the ice and keep their shooting percentage, it will add 20 more goals to their season total. When training camp opens in a few weeks, this needs to be a point of emphasis for Lindy Ruff and his coaching staff.