Sabres Continue to Surge, But Forward’s Struggles Loom Large
As the Buffalo Sabres keep tightening their grip on the season, their forward group faces both celebration and concern. While the Sabres’ offensive unit, led by stars like Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch, has powered the team into a strong position, the spotlight is turning to underperforming players whose stats have not met expectations. The big question is whether these players, particularly those slated for key roles, will step up or continue to lag behind as Buffalo eyes a potential playoff run.
The Dominance of Buffalo’s Offensive Core
The Sabres boast one of the NHL’s most lethal offensive cores. With dynamic stars like Thompson and Tuch, both of whom are expected to lead in major statistical categories, Buffalo is riding high. Thompson, despite a significant 38-point drop from his 2021-22 peak, still stands as one of the team’s primary scoring threats . His line with Tuch and JJ Peterka has been nothing short of electric, and they are predicted to continue driving the Sabres’ offensive output.
However, despite these stars shining brightly, the team’s success isn’t uniform across the board. With Buffalo building momentum, the focus shifts to one key player who has yet to live up to his billing, and the stakes are high.
The Underperforming Forward: Will He Step Up?
Jordan Greenway, a player whose arrival in Buffalo brought hopes of increased physicality and secondary scoring, has yet to find his rhythm. Greenway’s struggles stand out amidst the team’s overall offensive prowess. He managed just four goals in 17 games last season , and while his defensive contributions and physical presence are valuable, they don’t fully excuse his underperformance on the scoresheet.
Coaches and analysts still believe in Greenway’s potential. Head coach Don Granato is known for getting the best out of players, and there’s hope that with a full offseason and more game time, Greenway will develop into a more serviceable player. But the Sabres don’t have time to wait forever. As their lead widens, fans and analysts alike are left wondering if Greenway will finally step up in the scoring department or continue to be a liability .
The Team’s Resilience: Depth Makes the Difference
The Sabres have the luxury of depth, and other players have risen to the occasion. Cozens, Peterka, and Jack Quinn are all primed for breakout seasons, with Peterka in particular showing tremendous upside . His chemistry with Cozens and Thompson offers hope that this line could anchor the team’s second wave of scoring.
Yet, Buffalo’s depth doesn’t negate the need for Greenway’s production. The modern NHL demands scoring depth, and teams that go deep into the playoffs can’t rely solely on their stars. If Greenway doesn’t turn his game around soon, his lack of contribution could become a more pressing issue as Buffalo looks to maintain their competitive edge.
How Much Patience Does Buffalo Have?
Given Greenway’s defensive contributions, the Sabres might give him a longer leash. After all, they aren’t hurting for offense right now. However, as the season progresses and Buffalo solidifies its position as a contender, the spotlight on Greenway will only intensify. His underwhelming stats will be a talking point in post-game analyses and fan conversations alike if he fails to improve.
Greenway’s path to redemption isn’t out of reach. His playstyle fits well within Granato’s system, and he could very well turn the corner with a few strong games. But with Buffalo’s top six forwards producing at a high clip, Greenway’s role as a potential contributor becomes crucial in balancing the lineup.
Conclusion: Time to Shine or Fade?
With the Sabres’ advantage growing, Jordan Greenway finds himself at a crossroads. The Sabres’ top players are performing, and the team is on an upward trajectory, but the pressure is on for Greenway to find his offensive stride. If he can step up and contribute to Buffalo’s scoring depth, he could silence critics and become a key piece of a potential playoff team. If not, his poor stats may become a glaring issue for a team with high aspirations.
As Buffalo looks to continue their strong season, all eyes will be on whether Greenway can live up to his potential—or if his struggles will continue to be a talking point in an otherwise thriving campaign.