Scoring Drought? What Scoring Drought?
December 4th, 2009 | by Vance |From Halloween to Thanksgiving the Sabres played a total of 11 games; they scored 20 goals. 20 goals in 11 games, compiling a 4-6-1 record over that time span. 20 goals in 11 games. 1.8 goals per game. Shut out twice. 20 goals in 11 games.
Since that putrid effort in Washington Thanksgiving eve, the Sabres have turned things around a bit, potting 18 goals in 4 games. 4.5 goals per game. 4 wins, 0 losses.
Reasons? Well the annual “when things go wrong” line tinkering began in earnest after that Capitals tilt. Thomas Vanek was moved down to be centered by Tim Kennedy and flanked on the right side by Mike Grier. Derek Roy is now centering Jason Pominville and Jochen Hecht, while Tim Connolly plays pivot for MacArthur and Stafford. Only one major change, but one that has sparked some offense for certain.
The results? Hell yeah a table!
| 11 Game Slump | 4 Game Explosion | |
| Thomas Vanek | 3 G, 5 A, -8 | 1 G, 4 A, +5 |
| Tim Kennedy | 0 G, 1 A, -4 | 2 G, 1 A, +5 |
| Mike Grier* | 0 G, 0 A, -4 | 2 G, 2 A, +3 |
| Clarke MacArthur | 1 G, 3 A, -8 | 2 G, 1 A, +2 |
| Tim Connolly | 0 G, 7 A, -6 | 2 G, 2 A, +3 |
| Drew Stafford | 2 G, 1 A, -3 | 1 G, 2 A, +3 |
| Jochen Hecht | 1 G, 0 A, -4 | 2 G, 2 A, +2 |
| Derek Roy | 4 G, 4 A, -8 | 2 G, 3 A, +4 |
| Jason Pominville | 2 G, 2 A, -5 | 1 G, 4 A, +5 |
| * Missed 5 games due to injury | ||
Here’s our top 3 scoring lines during the 11 game slump, and the consequent 4 game winning streak after the line changes. Remember that the lines were different during that 11 game stretch than listed here.
So let’s point out some of the obvious, 12 of the 20 goals (60%) during the slump were scored by the top lines, leaving 8 for the 4th liners and defense (remember, our defense does not score). In the 4 game goal explosion, 15 of 18 (83%) goals have come from our scoring lines.
Now also look at the balance in our last 4 games, each line has a total of 5 goals. Before, the offense was being carried by the Vanek, Roy, Stafford line, scoring 9 of the 20 goals. Nothing is easier than targeting and shutting down a one dimensional offense. Now with the balanced attack, opposing coaches can’t key on any one line for fear of being burnt by another. That’s what made the Sabres teams of 3 years ago so special, something that Lindy should try to emulate with this squad.
Can they keep up this pace? Of course not, nobody can, well maybe the Sharks, but it is imperative that they don’t go back to scoring under 2 a contest. The next 4 games, all at home, feature contests with the Rangers, Devils, Caps, and Blackhawks. They will need to perform here, no doubt about that. No doubt about that.
By Eric on Dec 6, 2009
I think that more than anything, Buffalo is known for their defense. But, when you mix that strong defense with a lot of goals, you’re going to see a lot of wins. The other thing is that they’ve only allowed five goals in those four games.