Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) – I think we can safely say that this season’s version of the Buffalo Sabres is much improved over last year.
Is there more talent on this team? Absolutely not, but this is a group that understands what a team is. They understand what it is to play for each other and the crest, while past players around here didn’t have a clue.
So far, it’s translated into two wins in two games.
Cody Eakin has a goal and an assist in two games. His line with Zemgus Girgensons and Kyle Okposo has been very hard to play against. That is something brand new for this team, because teams have known for years that coming into Buffalo means a soft, easy game.
Folks, times are a changing.
“We are harder to play against. We are always playing with speed on the forecheck, the back check, and it just gets annoying to other teams," Eakin said of his team following Saturday's win over the Arizona Coyotes. "If we consistently play like that, cutting off pucks before their rush starts, we’re going to be hard to play against.”
In both games, the line of Girgensons-Eakin-Okposo has been Buffalo’s best trio. Eakin says he just enjoys playing with his wingers.
“They’re playing like they’re 22 again. It’s been tremendous," Eakin said. "The energy at all ends of the ice, and it’s fun to be a part of that and contribute.”
Eakin is a totally different player so far this season. I’m not going to lie, I thought he should’ve been waived and sent to the Rochester Americans. Both the analytics and the eye test could see last season that he just wasn’t a good player.
High marks to the 30-year-old for changing his game and playing very well in the first two games.
“Personally, if you play with speed as a team - chances that weren’t there when you were skating in sand - they’re opening up, and it allows you to be gritty and get to those areas,” Eakin said.
The Sabres dominated the Coyotes on Saturday in all zones, yet, they needed to win the game in a shootout. Buffalo has given up just two goals so far this young season.
Related
Dustin Tokarski was solid in his first appearance of the season. He made the saves that he had to make, but he only saw 21 shots in 65 minutes of work. He had to make a big save on Jakub Chychrun in the slot during the overtime session.
If there was one part of the Sabres' game I didn’t like is for 40 minutes, a rookie goalie making his first NHL start and his first start in North America had it easy. Buffalo produced great chances, but were not forcing Karel Vejmelka into difficult saves.
Vinnie Hinostroza had a breakaway, but skated by the net without a shot. Girgensons was on the shooting end of a 2-on-1 with Okposo and skated by the net without a shot. Arttu Ruotsalainen had a clean breakaway and backhanded the puck over the net.
As the game went on, the Sabres got too fancy and passed on great chances, looking for a better shot elsewhere. Vejmelka’s best save came in overtime when Victor Olofsson found himself wide-open for a one-timer, only to be foiled by the Czech goalie coming across the crease.
The one thing I can tell you is the team is getting record small crowds, but they’re enthusiastic and they’re being entertained. The building is alive and loud again, and that is showing us that maybe, just maybe, this organization is heading in the right direction.
