Sabres finding results, in depth
Several forwards discover their scoring touch
Published: March 31, 2009, 12:41 am
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The Buffalo Sabres' most recent playoff teams were modeled on the idea that scoring has to come from everywhere. The Sabres reached back-to-back Eastern Conference finals in 2006 and 2007 with depth that was scary good, with four forward lines capable of scoring at any time.
If the Sabres make the playoffs this season, a key reason will be getting close to that form.
The Sabres are receiving production from nearly every spot in the lineup. Players from three lines have become score sheet regulars, something that has helped the team win three straight games heading into Wednesday's visit to Atlanta.
"That's a huge part of our success, that everyone's contributing," Sabres forward Daniel Paille said Monday. "It's part of a winning team, and we just want to keep rolling."
Paille is part of the crop of players who are finding late-season success. The fourth-liner has four goals in the past eight games, helping to salvage a year that has languished too often. He had just seven goals in his first 60 games.
"It's just about creating the chances when I'm out there and finishing most of them," Paille said. "I believe I've been doing that, and I'm happy about it."
His recent linemates, Dominic Moore and Adam Mair, are also chipping in. Mair scored Saturday after a five-game injury absence, and Moore has four points in the past five games.
The third line is finding the net, too. Paul Gaustad has three points in four games, and Jochen Hecht has four points in the last five contests.
One of the top lines is surging following a long absence. Center Tim Connolly has goals in three straight games, scoring four times after being silenced for nearly six weeks. In the 19 games from Feb. 7 to March 21, Connolly failed to score in 18 of them.
Right wing Jason Pominville has also begun to right a season full of wrongs. He has 11 points in the last eight games, recording at least one point in seven of them. The line's left winger, Clarke MacArthur, has responded to a five-game benching with three goals in four outings.
"It's been good since I've gotten back in the lineup here," MacArthur said. "I've got a few bounces my way, and I'm trying to work hard and stay in. Everyone contributing is what you need."
There is one gaping hole in the offensive equilibrium.
It's the top line. Derek Roy, Thomas Vanek and Drew Stafford have not been tormenting opposing goalies.
Roy has two goals and three assists in the past 10 games. Stafford has no goals and two assists over the past nine. Vanek has six points in 12 games since returning from a fractured jaw.
"Right now we're in a little bit of a funk, especially for our line," Vanek said. "The success to winning is it's not just one line scoring. Obviously, the top two lines need to do most of the scoring. But like the other night, with Adam scoring a big goal, I think that's really what's going to help this team win."
Coach Lindy Ruff, of course, is pleased his lineup is well-balanced. But like Vanek, he expects the top two lines to put in the bulk of the pucks during the final seven games of the season.
"It does have to come from a lot of places, and it does have to come from our key personnel," Ruff said. "I still have to maintain that our top two lines are going to have to carry us through this.
"We need support from the other lines. Their role is a little bit different, but when they chip in it's great. At the same time, the bulk of the scoring is usually going to come from your top players."
Strength in numbers:
The Sabres recently are getting production from more than just their top scorers:
Clarke MacArthur: Has three goals in four games since his two-week stint in the press box.
Dan Paille: Has four goals and two assists in 10 games in March and is a plus 6.
Jochen Hecht: Has four points in his last five games.
Maxim Afinogenov: Has three points in his last four starts.
Tim Connolly: Has six points in the last three games.
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