There wasn't a whole lot that went well for the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets as they lost 6-3. However, one bright spot in the game was the line of Noah Ostlund, Jack Quinn, and Zach Benson.
All three players had at least one point, as Jack Quinn had the second goal of the game for Buffalo, with Noah Ostlund and Zach Benson adding an assist on that play. Ostlund also had another assist earlier in the game and was one of only two Sabres with multiple points in this game (Owen Power being the other).
In the first game of the season, this forward line had the best CF% (72.22%), outshot their opponents when they were on the ice six to one, and was second in xGF% at 73.40% behind only Tage Thompson's line, according to Natural Stat Trick.
"I think we can be a really good line, and I think we can keep getting better," Jack Quinn said after being asked about the chemistry of this line.
Jack Quinn's line has the highest ceiling of any of the Buffalo Sabres' lines
Of the four lines the Sabres sent out on Thursday night against the Blue Jackets, there is no question that this trio has the most collective potential. All three players took a big step in their careers last season, and all three have another level they can play at.
Last season, Quinn broke 50 points for the first time in his career by scoring 20 goals and already has one this season. He almost had a second on a power play as he beat Jet Greaves, but the puck slid under the goalie and hit the post before being cleared.
Benson saw a big jump in points year over year as he went from 28 to 43 points and a +/- of +27 along with nine points in 13 playoff games. As for Ostlund, he was a rookie last season but still put up 27 points in 60 games.
The reason this line has a chance to be one of the best for the Sabres is that all three are excellent at playing a full game. Each of them can force turnovers on the forecheck but also do a good job helping out in the defensive zone.
As for Quinn, he got his first chance at playing on the penalty kill with over one minute against the Blue Jackets. The Sabres' penalty kill wasn't great, but it is going to take some time to find their rhythm without Alex Tuch this season.
This is probably the most balanced line the Sabres have and that is why it shouldn't be all that surprising that this line had the most time on ice together at just over 11 minutes. It also wouldn't be surprising if that trend continued as the season goes along.
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