After beating the Chicago Blackhawks and locking down the Atlantic Division for the first time since the NHL changed up the divisional format in 2013-14, it would have been easy for the Sabres to rest everyone and coast through the season finale against the Dallas Stars.
Instead, we got a fun back-and-forth affair. Though it didn’t have the same satisfying results as the team’s social media admin bringing forth all the receipts, it still was enough to give the fans just enough before the main course of the playoffs arrive. Here’s what we learned in the 4-3 shootout loss to the Stars.
The Sabres’ Most Dangerous Line
It has been talked about before – because they are awesome – but the line of Zach Benson, Josh Norris, and Josh Doan continues to be the best on the team. They are just a constant, pestering presence that feeds off of one another and relentlessly hassles the opposition.
Both Norris and Benson scored, the latter a shorthanded breakaway. That style of play should serve them well in the playoffs and the energy provided by what should be an electric home crowd should only boost them.
It also shows that the Sabres aren’t just here for the moral victories anymore. The Sabres went toe-to-toe with what is second favorite to come out of the Western Conference, falling only in a shootout. It sets the tone for the playoffs this weekend.
Who is the Bottom Pair?
The top four, one of the core reasons for the turnaround, is as set and solid as it gets. Head coach Lindy Ruff played seven defensemen on Wednesday, resting Rasmus Dahlin and Mattias Samuelsson to get a look at the other pieces.
Related: How the Sabres Stack Up Against 1st Round Opponents
Logan Stanley seems like a lock to fill one of those spots. Conor Timmins got 16 minutes of ice time and plays quite a bit shorthanded, which could give him an edge over the very solid Zach Metsa. It feels safe to say that Luke Schenn and Michael Kesselring will serve as depth pieces.
The safe bet right now would be Stanley and Timmins as the bottom pair. Both are solid, Stanley is physical, and Timmins makes the solid, sound play. If they can serve reliably for 15 minutes per night, it would go a long way toward helping the top four retaining their effectiveness.
Ellis Gives the Sabres a Three-Headed Goaltending Effort
Make no mistake about it: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is and has been the Game 1 starter for a long time. But with Alex Lyon out due to injury, Colten Ellis has stepped in to be more than serviceable in his absence.
If anything, it gives the Sabres more options at what may be the most valuable position for postseason hockey. Ideally, we won’t see Ellis at any point but it is nice to know that there is a somewhat reliable option waiting in the wings.
The Excitement is Building
We don’t have an official schedule yet, but this weekend kicks the playoffs into gear and the energy generated by the home crowd in Game 1 will be felt across the continent. This is something Buffalo fans have been desperate for and you had better believe the atmosphere will be off the charts.
No matter where we go from here or how long this run goes, this has been a season for the ages. The worst-to-first turnaround – all in the span of a few months, no less – is the kind of thing that just doesn’t happen. We’re all just happy to be along for the ride.
