The Buffalo Sabres are in the mix for an Eastern Conference playoff spot. Typically, at this point in the season, the organization and fanbase are looking at who to trade and what to get to build toward the future amid a longstanding postseason drought.
Now though, they have played well enough to be in the conversation. The question has to remain what will get them over the hump into the playoffs.
The Sabres have not performed well on the power play. They are at only 17.8% with the man advantage, ranking them 22nd in the league. As spring hockey is around the corner, hitting when they are man up will be vital.
Assistant coach Seth Appert may be now on the hot seat. He works on special teams and there clearly is an issue. The Sabres will have a few weeks between the Olympic break to consider some key changes on their roster and coaching staff.
Firing Appert may be an option, and they could replace him with an in-house coach. However, one of the moves they could make may be some serious outside-the-box thinking, but it's one that could lead the Sabres to that coveted playoff spot.
The Seattle Kraken are currently in ninth place in the power play with a conversion rate of 22.4%. One coach responsible, alongside fellow assistant Chris Taylor, is Jessica Campbell.
Campbell was retained by Seattle after a coaching change in the offseason. It shows her ability and qualifications to help lead behind the bench. Seattle may have faith in her, however instead of trading for a player, maybe the Sabres should trade for her as an assistant coach.
Jessica Campbell and the Seattle Kraken have had an exciting power play the last two years. The opposite has been true for the Buffalo Sabres.
Trading for a coach may be completely out of the norm and the Sabres would have to give up a draft pick or other compensation to Seattle to make it happen. But going with the status quo and trying the same thing has not worked for the organization the last two decades.
Bringing in a coach with the pedigree for the power play may be the difference between a playoff spot and sitting at home once again in May. Looking at a young coach and, one that Ruff could view as a replacement, should be strongly considered, even if it's super unlikely.
The next few months will prove who should be a part of Buffalo's future. An assistant coach that can boost the club's special teams should be squarely in the Sabres' thinking.
Regardless of what it may cost, its time for them to take a big shot.