Four The Hard Way and Shots On Net

It hasn’t been pretty, but the Buffalo Sabres have picked up 2 wins – 4 important standings points – this weekend to move 2 points ahead of the Ottawa Senators for first in the Northeast.  The Sens have struggled since the break, picking up only 1 point in 3 games.  They next play in Edmonton on Tuesday, and Calgary on Thursday.  Buffalo’s next games are on Wednesday and Friday (home tilts versus Dallas and Minnesota).

I am not quite sure what to make of the Sabres’ scoring woes.  They take plenty of shots, 6th in the league, but they (wince) don’t shoot enough on the power play (22nd at 5 on 4).  Even worse, when the Sabres are up 5 on 3, they are the WORST in the league at shooting.  There are teams that average out to 160 shots per 60min of 5 on 3, and the Sabres?  63.  Atrocious.  (all numbers via Behind the Net)

I almost hate to put this out there, as the ‘yells shoot on the power play’ people will feel obligated to scream even louder.  Seriously though, it is one thing that helps make all the rumors that the Sabres wanted an offensive defenseman at the deadline, maybe to get some more shots from the point.