Aside from Alex Lyon stepping up in the first few games of the season, the only bright spot early on was the lone goal in the 3-1 loss to the Boston Bruins. It was from left winger Jason Zucker. Now he's become even more important as the Buffalo Sabres are flashing great signs their last two games.
Zucker had two goals and an assist in the Sabres' wins against the Ottawa Senators (8-4) and Florida Panthers (3-0). It is an important start for a team that has been searching for scorers outside of Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch.
Jason Zucker now has three goals on the year and could be leader for the Buffalo Sabres
Both of his goals in the win against the Senators came on the power play. It was a positive sign, considering the Sabres did not connect on special teams in the first three losses of the season.
His first goal came off a pass from Rasmus Dahlin in the first period. Connecting with captain, Dahlin, could be a positive sign as the Sabres are ever looking to find connections and chemistry to build upon.
Zucker had over 50 points a season ago after signing with Buffalo as a free agent, and then re-signed with the franchise on a two-year deal. Now, although early in the campaign, he may be getting more attention and be a signing that pays off in the long run for the organization.
The Sabres themselves have been attacking and playing with more speed than they were the first few games of the year. That may be due to a young roster and savvy veterans such as Tuch and Zucker starting to find the right formula for success.
Zucker could be a leader on the ice if he continues to put the pressure on and find the back of the net. The city of Buffalo has not sniffed a postseason since before Disney bought the Star Wars franchise.
Jason Zucker became the 10th player in Sabres history to score two power play goals in under two minutes
Having a player such as Zucker could get them there. If they are able to breakthrough, they should rely on Zucker's playoff experience with the Minnesota Wild and Pittsburgh Penguins. It will also prove valuable during the home stretch of the season.
That may seem like a far-off idea, but the Sabres have been giving the Sabres faithful and Western New York hope, and Zucker is a key part of that renewed optimism.