As the Buffalo Sabres prepare for a pivotal clash against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday at KeyBank Center, the team’s focus has shifted to its core group of leaders. Head coach Lindy Ruff called a meeting before Thursday’s practice, emphasizing the responsibility that lies with the team’s most experienced players. Ruff’s message was clear: the team’s success depends on this group stepping up during an increasingly difficult stretch.
The Sabres are in the midst of an 11-game winless streak (0-8-3), a skid that has tested the resolve of a young roster. Players like captain Rasmus Dahlin, who is set to return from a seven-game absence due to back spasms, along with alternate captains Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, Dylan Cozens, and Mattias Samuelsson, have been tasked with setting the tone. This leadership group will need to anchor the team through both on-ice performance and off-ice guidance.
Adding to the challenge, the Sabres will be without Jordan Greenway for an extended period. The 6-foot-6 power forward and top penalty killer is undergoing surgery for a middle-body injury that has limited his availability this season. Greenway’s physicality and penalty-killing expertise have been vital, and his absence was felt in Tuesday’s loss to Montreal, where the penalty kill struggled significantly. Ruff and his coaching staff are looking for others to fill this void, but Greenway’s unique combination of size and defensive presence is irreplaceable.
Navigating Youth and Growing Pains
The Sabres remain the NHL’s youngest team, and their inexperience has been evident during this difficult stretch. Promising forwards like Jiri Kulich and Zach Benson have shown flashes of brilliance but are still learning to find consistency at the NHL level. Kulich has struggled to make an impact offensively, particularly on the power play, and has faced challenges managing puck security. Benson has been productive at times but has also been prone to taking unnecessary penalties, a habit the coaching staff is working to address.
Meanwhile, second-year players like JJ Peterka and Jack Quinn are heavily relied upon. Peterka has gone through a slump, while Quinn continues to adjust to playing against elite competition. Ruff has stressed the importance of simplifying the game—emphasizing disciplined puck management and consistent effort in all zones.
Production from Key Players is Critical
If the Sabres are to snap their winless streak, they need more from their top players. Despite battling a lower-body injury earlier in the season, Thompson leads the team with 16 goals in 27 games but has struggled to contribute consistently on the power play, which is currently ranked near the bottom of the league. Tuch has been a steady presence but will need to take on additional responsibilities, including on the penalty kill, in Greenway’s absence. Cozens, who has provided some offensive spark, has also faced challenges with consistency and defensive reliability.
Buffalo’s power play is another area in need of revitalization. Over the last 35 attempts, the unit has managed just two goals, a stark indicator of a system that has failed to capitalize on opportunities. The addition of Dahlin back into the lineup could provide a much-needed boost, as his ability to quarterback the power play and generate offensive chances is unmatched on the roster.
Adjustments and Opportunities
In Thursday’s practice, Ruff and his staff focused heavily on breakouts and managing shifts after goals—a critical area where the Sabres have struggled. Turning defensive-zone exits into controlled offensive entries has been a challenge, particularly against teams that press aggressively after scoring.
Veteran forward Sam Lafferty, who has been sidelined for nine games with a lower-body injury, is expected to return to the lineup. His return provides some much-needed depth, especially with Ryan McLeod questionable for Friday’s game. Lafferty brings grit and energy, attributes the team hopes will help shift momentum in their favor.
Friday’s game against the Maple Leafs marks a critical moment for the Sabres. While Toronto sits comfortably in playoff contention, Buffalo has sunk to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. The matchup provides an opportunity for the Sabres to reset and prove that they can compete with one of the league’s top teams.
Looking Ahead
The road to turning the season around begins with accountability and execution. The Sabres must lean on their veteran leadership while fostering growth among their younger players. With Dahlin’s return and Lafferty rejoining the lineup, there is hope that the team can find the spark needed to break the streak and regain their confidence.
Buffalo’s resilience will be tested, but the foundation of a bright future remains intact. Friday’s game against Toronto is more than just another regular-season contest—it’s a chance to redefine the season and prove that the Sabres can rise above adversity. Fans and players alike will be looking for a statement performance under the lights at KeyBank Center.