4 - Alex Tuch - Scoring on the power play
Alex Tuch scored eight goals on the power play last season but through 41 games (34 in which he’s played), he has just one. Buffalo boasts one of the worst power play units in the league, and Tuch’s inability to find the net on the man advantage is one reason why.
5 - JJ Peterka - Scoring
JJ Peterka started off the season hot and he jumped out to score 12 goals, but he hasn’t found the back of the net since December 11th. Overall, Peterka has stayed aggressive with the puck, but he needs to find new ways to beat opposing goaltenders.
6 - Tage Thompson - Scoring on the power play
Like Tuch’s issue, Tage’s area of improvement was rather easy, given the two goals he’s scored on the man advantage all season compared to 20 last year. Sure, injuries have slowed him, but now that Tage should be more than good to go since he has no more restrictions stemming from his wrist injury, he must start producing on the power play.
7 - Dylan Cozens - Taking care of the puck
It was hard to pick just one issue for Dylan Cozens, but with 22 giveaways through the 39 games he’s appeared in, it’s unacceptable for a forward of his caliber. He’s on pace for roughly 44 this season, which would easily lead all forwards on the team.