Blue Line Station
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Rangers vs. Sabres: Are we desperate yet?

By Steve Paulus

BUFFALO, NY - JANUARY 26: Matt Irwin #44 of the Buffalo Sabres checks Pavel Buchnevich #89 of the New York Rangers during the first period at KeyBank Center on January 26 , 2021 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - JANUARY 26: Matt Irwin #44 of the Buffalo Sabres checks Pavel Buchnevich #89 of the New York Rangers during the first period at KeyBank Center on January 26 , 2021 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images) /
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BUFFALO, NY – JANUARY 26: Tobias Rieder #13 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrates his goal with teammates Brandon Montour #62 and Cody Eakin #20 during the second period against the New York Rangers at KeyBank Center on January 26 , 2021 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY – JANUARY 26: Tobias Rieder #13 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrates his goal with teammates Brandon Montour #62 and Cody Eakin #20 during the second period against the New York Rangers at KeyBank Center on January 26 , 2021 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images) /

About the Sabres

The Sabres cannot be described as a “surprise” team so far this season.  They are still sixth in an eight team division, but after dropping their first two games to the Capitals they have gotten points in four of their next five games.

One thing the Sabres are doing right is building up their strength at center.  With Jack Eichel and Eric Staal, their top two lines are solid and they went out and signed Cody Eakin as a free agent. While he won’t win any scoring awards, he has a winning pedigree from his time in Vegas and he is very good on faceoffs.  Overall, the Sabres have a 55.3% winning percentage on draws, fourth best in the NHL.

Buffalo has scored the exact same number of goals (20) that they have given up. They have the ninth best power play in the league at 29.7% (just ask the Rangers).    They have given up 11 power play goals, second most in the NHL.

If the Sabres can win tonight, they will match their longest winning streak (three games) of last season.  The Sabres don’t start fast, having scored only four goals in the first period of their seven games, with 10 in the second period and six in the third.

The Sabres have found some success without getting goals from their two best players.  Taylor Hall and Jack Eichel have each scored only once each.  They have combined for 12 assists.

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