Buffalo Sabres analyst addresses defensive woes, big shoes to be filled after Achilles injury to star center

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Aug 28, 2023 15:59 GMT

The Buffalo Sabres, a team with a storied history in the NHL, have been seeking to break a lengthy playoff drought that has stretched for over a decade. Their quest for postseason success has been marked by ups and downs. In a recent interview with NHL.com, former NHL goalie and current Buffalo Sabres analyst Martin Biron shed light on the team's defensive challenges.

Jim Cerny, the NHL managing editor, engaged Biron in a discussion about the Sabres' prospects for the upcoming season and the lingering question of whether they can finally break their postseason dry spell.

Biron's assessment of the Sabres' offensive prowess was unequivocal. He described their offence as 'electric', brimming with speed, size, and skill that make it a force to be reckoned with.

Biron said,

"I do believe they're a playoff team. Their offense is electric ... their offense is fast, has size, has skill."

The team boasts a lineup that includes Rasmus Dahlin, a young defenseman whose contributions from the blue line have been nothing short of significant. The Sabres' offensive potential, according to Biron, is undeniable, setting the stage for a formidable attack.

"Their offense from the blue line with Rasmus Dahlin is significant. I feel they have steps forward they will continue to take this year."

However, Biron was quick to acknowledge a significant hurdle that the Buffalo Sabres will need to overcome, the absence of star center Jack Quinn due to an Achilles injury. Quinn, who was expected to be a catalyst for the team's progress, is facing a three-month recovery period.

"But I think missing Jack Quinn for the first three months of the season (with an Achilles injury) is a big loss because I thought he'd be that one player to take a really big step forward. "

Buffalo Sabres analyst Martin Biron on limiting the opponent.

While the Buffalo Sabres' offensive firepower and potential are exciting, Biron also highlighted a pressing concern that the team must address: their defensive game.

"But the one part of their game that needs to be better is their defensive game. You can't be giving up chances at even strength the way the Sabres did [last season]. They have more talent than most of the teams in the NHL."

"So, if you can limit the chances against, you know you're going to still score goals. They did that late last season, so they found a new way to win games. And they must do that this season."

A strong offence can certainly win games, but it's often the defensive foundation that provides the stability, particularly in high-stakes scenarios like the playoffs.