A game like the Buffalo Sabres had in Game 2 shouldn't create panic, but it does require some honest reflection and tough conversations. One of those tough conversations needs to be about making some lineup changes beyond the expected return of Sam Carrick.
The Sabres need to shake things up, and that should be the insertion of Konsta Helenius into the lineup in place of Josh Norris. It is a move that comes with considerable risk but is probably the one that could have the biggest payoff.
Helenius has spent most of the season with the Rochester Americans but is currently with the Sabres as part of 'black aces', essentially a practice squad of prospects that is with the team now that the Amerks season is over.
The reason that the Sabres should consider a move is that Helenius was excellent at the AHL level and is easily considered their top prospect. He finished the season averaging a point per game with 21 goals and 42 assists, while also making his NHL debut. He played in nine games earlier this season and had four points from January 19th through February 5th.
It has been a tough stretch of games for Josh Norris, and the frustration seems to be getting to him, as evidenced by his breaking his stick on the bench in Game 2. Through five playoff games, he has only one point while averaging almost 17 minutes of ice time per game.
For the Sabres, a move like this could give Norris a chance to reset, but it also allows the Sabres to switch up power-play units. Norris is a part of the top power play unit, but that group has struggled for a while now.
This is another area that Helenius potentially could help, as he was excellent on the power play for the Amerks, as he led the team in power play goals with nine, while also adding 17 power play assists.
The long term contract implications of a short term playoff push
If it were as simple as the Sabres making a lineup change, this wouldn't be given as much thought. However, there is a contract factor that is at play with Konsta Helenius, as if he plays in a game these playoffs, he would burn the first-year of his entry-level contract.
This means that Helenius would become a restricted free agent after the 2028 season instead of the 2029 season. However, the Sabres' top prospect can have an impact on this team both in 5v5 situations and on the power play, which would be worth the risk.
If the Sabres were to make the move, it would be logical for Helenius to step right in at center on a line with Zach Benson and Josh Doan. These two are playing the best of any players on the team right now, and Helenius could be the perfect fit at center.
The analytical case for a new look third line
In the limited games Helenius played during the regular season, he played alongside both. According to Natural Stat Trick, when Helenius and Benson were together on the ice, they had a Corsi For % of 65% and out-scored opponents four to one with 22 scoring chances for compared to only 11 against.
Meanwhile, Helenius and Done would have a Corsi For % of 56% and once again had a positive scoring chance of 23 compared to 17 against.
It is not a guarantee that a move like this would work or that the Sabres would even want to risk a year on Helenius' contract. However, after Game 2, it absolutely warrants a discussion because it could be a move that swings momentum right back to the Sabres.
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