Buffalo's core players are struggling
Another example of regression is their core players not putting up good numbers. Guys like Alex Tuch and Dylan Cozens are not racking up goals as expected. At this current moment, Cozens has six goals and 14 assists for 20 points in 36 games played after signing a huge contract extension with Buffalo.
As for Tuch, he scored nine goals and registered 15 assists for 24 points in 31 games played. Obviously they are not the only ones who are not producing but the point is the top guys are not helping the cause and have also taken a step back like the team itself.
The defense and goaltending have not been the best either. Despite signing Connor Clifton and Erik Johnson in free agency, the blue line is still a nightmare for the Sabres. As for the goaltending, the three-man rotation didn't work out as Eric Comrie was placed on waivers with Devon Levi and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen being the two guys between the pipes.