As the Buffalo Sabres approach the final game of the regular season, reflection looms large. Amidst player performances, coaching strategies, and managerial decisions, there are bright spots to glean from this season as they prepare for the next. In the midst of assessing a season marked by challenges, here are the three most notable positives from the Sabres’ 2023-24 campaign.
Progress from Buffalo Sabres’ Young Players
Undoubtedly, some of the season’s most captivating moments have been delivered by JJ Peterka, Zach Benson, and Jack Quinn. Despite Quinn’s season-long battle with injuries, his presence in the lineup proved transformative. Amidst a team grappling with goal-scoring challenges, Quinn consistently illuminated the ice with his scoring instincts and undeniable talent.
Undoubtedly, some of the season’s most captivating moments have been delivered by JJ Peterka, Zach Benson, and Jack Quinn. Despite Quinn’s season-long battle with injuries, his presence in the lineup proved transformative. Amidst a team grappling with goal-scoring challenges, Quinn consistently illuminated the ice with his scoring instincts and undeniable talent.
Rookie Zach Benson navigated the typical challenges of a first-year NHL player. Despite initial slumps, his standout performance in preseason secured him a roster spot, where he remained throughout the season. Over time, he transformed from a somewhat undersized forward proving his worth to a dynamic presence on the ice. Excelling in puck possession, playmaking, and electrifying goal-scoring, Benson emerged as a force to be reckoned with. His highlight-reel goal epitomized his ability to captivate and showcase his evolving game. As he continues to develop, Benson promises to be a player to watch in the coming years.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen… No Further Explanation Needed
At the onset of the season, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen initially found himself relegated to the role of the third-string goaltender, following a sluggish start. Concurrently, his fellow Sabres goaltenders, Eric Comrie and Devon Levi, were also grappling with lackluster performances up to that juncture. However, as the calendar flipped from 2023 to 2024, Luukkonen emerged as a pivotal figure, arguably becoming one of the NHL’s premier goaltenders from that period onward.
His impressive tally of five shutouts ranks among the league’s best, marking a stark contrast from his earlier inconsistency and susceptibility to conceding soft goals, particularly on his glove side. Yet, Luukkonen has since transformed into a dependable and composed netminder, evoking the confidence of a seasoned veteran.
Throughout the majority of the season, Luukkonen stood as the linchpin of the Sabres’ competitiveness in most games, a testament to the newfound stability in goaltending. In a campaign where the team pinned its hopes on the emergence of a young goaltender as a bona fide starter, Luukkonen answered the call with aplomb, outshining his counterparts and firmly solidifying his status as the team’s go-to starter moving forward.
While there remains anticipation surrounding Devon Levi’s potential impact at the NHL level, Luukkonen’s remarkable rise to prominence underscores his significance. Even if Levi’s primary contribution lies in pushing Luukkonen to greater heights, it would still signify a triumph for the team. Undoubtedly, Luukkonen’s stellar performances have earned him the title of the Sabres’ MVP this season by a significant margin.
Rasmus Dahlin’s Evolution as a Genuine Leader
Throughout the season, the Sabres relied on a leadership trio consisting of Kyle Okposo, Zemgus Girgensons, and Rasmus Dahlin. However, with Okposo’s departure to the Florida Panthers at the trade deadline, the absence of the player donning the captain’s “C” left a void in the locker room, paving the way for someone to step up and fill that role.
Dahlin had been demonstrating glimpses of his leadership qualities all season, evident in his post-game remarks emphasizing improvements and accountability, as well as his on-ice performance where he seized opportunities to take charge. Additionally, he made personal sacrifices, notably in his individual stats, to bolster team play, particularly when shouldering nearly 30 minutes of ice time per game in a more defensive capacity, showcasing his commitment to the team amidst key injuries.
Since Okposo’s departure, Dahlin has emerged as an even more prominent figure, exuding leadership both on and off the ice. At just 24 years old, he is proving worthy of the substantial contract extension he inked earlier in the season. Despite experiencing a “down year” in points, Dahlin has achieved a career-high in goals, underscoring his potential for further growth. His trajectory suggests he is on the path to NHL stardom, with the possibility of assuming the role of captain for the Sabres serving as an added bonus.
Sabres Still Have Much to Demonstrate
Despite a slow start to the season compounded by key injuries and various challenges, not every player succumbed to these setbacks. Jacob Bryson, for instance, despite missing much of the season, finished on a strong note. Similarly, Connor Clifton initially struggled but found his stride around the halfway mark, emerging as one of the Sabres’ top defenders. As the season progressed, Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch also elevated their performance levels, instilling hope for their full recovery and return to peak form in the upcoming season.
While the Sabres still have much to prove before regaining full confidence, there are positive takeaways from the 2023-24 season. Valuable lessons have been learned, and the team has shown growth in various aspects, setting the stage for future success. As anticipation builds for the offseason, there is optimism surrounding the team’s potential to emerge as contenders in the coming year.