The Buffalo Sabres returned to winning ways this week going 3-0-0 and reinserting themselves in the division winner conversation.

Honorable Mentions

Goaltenders Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Colten Ellis

UPL has continued to play at a very high level and with Alex Lyon’s unfortunate injury, he’s the undisputed #1 going into the playoffs. The Finn went 2-0-0, with a .889% sv pct and 2.50 GAA.
Enter Ellis from the cold where he’d been banished for spot duty. Getting his first start in weeks, he shut out a determined and desperate Columbus side that peppered him with 37 shots. Truly the Sabres have been spoiled in the goalie department, bringing back memories of the ’05-’06 three-headed monster of Miller-Biron-Noronen.

Third Line Zach Benson – Josh Norris – Josh Doan

After Lindy Ruff took the hatchet to the lines last week, the third line of the Sabres has caught the eye with some impressive hockey on both ends of the ice. In 5-on-5 play, they have been on-ice for 4 goals for, and no goals against.

There was also this lovely and selfless pass from Doan for Benson to pot the empty-netter.

The trio’s excellent play where they combined for 12 points (5G, 7A) and +15 in about 15 minutes each per night, with 7 hits and 5 blocked shots gets them an honorable mention.

Player of the Week

This week’s award goes to the Sabres veteran Jason Zucker.

The 34-year-old left winger has played up and down the top three lines for the Sabres, and continues to prove his value to the team in a multitude of ways. This week he had two goals and three assists for 5 points, and with the power play misfiring badly, they all were very valuable even strength points.

He had a beautiful tip-in off a Byram shot to break a 2-2 tie against the bitter Bolts, a goal that would eventually be the gamewinner. His craft and wizardry around the blue paint was on full show on this goal.

Zucker was not done, getting the gamewinner in the game at New York Rangers as he broke a 3-3 tied after the Sabres had recovered from a deficit. Coming off a five-game dry spell, this was a welcome return to scoring for the veteran forward.

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