The Sabres are looking at a roller coaster of a November. They have been hot and cold and have lost back-to-back games and won back-to-back games. But one area has shown Buffalo is playing tough regardless of the final score.
Since the start of the month, they have been tremendous on the penalty kill. Out of 16 power-play tries, other teams have only netted two goals. It gives them an 87.5% kill rate for the month. It definitely is something the team and fans can give thanks for next Thursday.
It has shown in the last games which resulted in victories for the Sabres. The Oilers and Red Wings scored one goal in six PP opportunities. This includes Detroit being blocked out by the Sabres five times. The Sabres broke a losing streak and won 5-4 in overtime. The penalty kill may have been the difference.
The Sabres have not had a steady campaign this season. However, the penalty kill has been a bright spot. It's important for them to continue to have a steady hand on defense.
In addition to November, the Sabres penalty kill for the season sits at a 89.7% success rate, which leads the NHL
A few reasons may be right in front of the Sabres and a look as to how they can continue to make a push this season. It may be the aggressive play of Jordan Greenway.
The physical player for the Sabres has been playing since the start of November. He has 12 hits on the month and has been a valuable asset if head coach Lindy Ruff is looking for a physical presence on the ice.
Greenway missed the early part of the season due to injury. That is also why he was out a season ago for most of the season. Now if he can stay healthy, it may not show up on the stat sheet but his time on the ice could be what puts the Sabres over the edge.
Mattias Samuelsson has also been a a fresh and positive for the Sabres and his time on the ice may reflect that. He's had 40 blocks on the season and is in the positive (+3) for plus/minus.
Mattias Samuelsson and fellow defenseman Conor Timmons have over 30 blocks on the season
One added reason may be the Sabres wanting to clear out the ice and give young goalie Colten Ellis more of an opportunity. Three of his four starts have occurred in the month of November.
It may be too early to say if Ellis is the future but giving him a strong defense and penalty kill opportunities may show why he is worth keeping in a key role.
Either way their performance on the penalty kill is something the team and fans can lean on as Buffalo attempts to turn its season around.