Let's go back to the 2022-2023 Buffalo Sabres. Aside from the fact they missed the postseason by one point, they were carried by their lethal offense. They were one of the best offenses in the league as they were third-best in the NHL in goals (293). This year, they are the 20th best team in the league with 221 goals scored.
A huge reason why Buffalo had such a good offense last year was because of the power play. Last season, the Sabres had a top-ten power play unit. This year, it was an utter disaster. Buffalo is in the bottom five when it comes to the power play, which showed its ugly head in last night's defeat against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The only thing that hasn't changed from last year is the defense. Buffalo's biggest weakness was the blue line. Even though they have talented players, the Sabres defensive core remains to be a huge liability. Whether it's breakdowns, leaving opposing players wide open or turning the puck over, general manager Kevyn Adams needs to improve it in the offseason if they are serious about making the postseason.
Last but not least, the goaltending. Along with the defense, the Sabres other weakness was goaltending. This year, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has one of the best goals-against averages in the NHL (2.58), which is 9th best in the league. His save percentage is 17th best in the league at .910, but the point is Buffalo's goaltending and offense went in opposite directions from last year.
Both Luukkonen and Devon Levi have played well recently. Unfortunately for both of them, their terrific efforts are going down to the wayside because of the lack of success from the team in front of them.
It's a complete mystery how this Sabres team took a total 180-degree turn from last year. They basically have the same roster but the offense and power play have taken a step back while the goaltenders you could say is their biggest strength.
All stats credited to StatMuse.