The 2024 NHL All Star Game is done, and the season will pick back up tomorrow. As for the Buffalo Sabres, they will be back in action Tuesday night when they host the Dallas Stars. Unfortunately, the Sabres will be without Jack Quinn for the time being after his recent injury. For his linemate Dylan Cozens, he has been doing pretty well as of late.
After a slow start to the season, Cozens has seven points in his last five games. If Buffalo wants to get their season back on track, Cozens needs to step up. He's been playing much better as of late, but he needs to keep playing like this. It was unfortunate to see Quinn go down and this is why I predict Dylan to finish the second half strong.
It's not that he wasn't producing when the season started, he was getting goals and assists. The issue is he'd score or get an assist then he would go on a lengthy drought before getting a point again. At this moment, the workhorse from Whitehorse has 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points in 46 games played.
There is a drop-off from last season where he scored 31 goals and registered 37 assists, but I think he will finish the season with goals in the 20 range. He understands he's not having the best season after signing a long term contract extension last year and that's why I predict him to start turning on the afterburners.
Why will he finish strong? Having JJ Peterka helps the case. Ever since last season, Cozens and Peterka have a strong chemistry playing alongside Quinn. Obviously we'll see if head coach Don Granato keeps Cozens and Peterka together, but that's why I think Cozens will turn it around in the last few months of the regular season.