78 games through the season and one thing that has stayed consistent for the Sabres is their struggles on the powerplay. The Sabres currently rank 25th in powerplay percentage at 18.1%. Although the number seems to be slowly improving, it doesn’t take away from the fact that the Sabres have missed many opportunities because of the powerplay.
Buffalo had one powerplay opportunity against the Columbus Blue Jackets last night in a 3-2 loss. The Sabres didn’t score on that powerplay, but it was how the team looked on the powerplay that had many people concerned.
The Sabres powerplay is a travesty 78 games into the season, which poses a lot of issues moving forward. Especially when you look at the amount of talent that the Sabres have on their powerplay unit. The question now lies in who is to blame for the powerplay struggles.
Seth Appert
I think this falls back on Seth Appert the current special teams coach of the Sabres. Appert has been with Rochester for the last four years before being promoted to the Sabres this season. Lindy Ruff took Appert on his coach as many liked this move going forward as he brought in a winning hockey culture.
However, Appert hasn’t made the most of his opportunity. There have been little to no changes made to the powerplay this season. With how good this team is offensively, it is inexcusable to see them ranked this low.
I can’t imagine we will see Appert with the Sabres next year, if we do he certainly won’t be back working with the special teams unit.
Lindy Ruff
Now Ruff does get some of the blame here, not because he took Appert onto his staff, but because he also didn’t make changes to the powerplay himself. For someone who has done this job as long as Ruff, there comes a point where you have to step in and help your young coach.
Ruff needed to have some sort of a game plan, describing how they could fix their current issues and get rid of any bad habits. As they go into next year, Ruff has some big decisions to make surrounding his special teams coach. Whether or not he decides to keep Appert or not, Ruff has to turn around this powerplay if the Sabres are to be contenders next year.