Last season, the Sabres’ inconsistent man advantage improved slightly as the playoffs wore on, producing nine power-play goals in the seven-game Montreal series. That, per Quinn and Appert, is due to an increased presence around the net, which continues to be stressed at this year’s camp.

That also means players like Tage Thompson – known for his marquee one-timer – might be utilized a bit differently this year.

“I think that when Tage was getting all those one-timer goals, the league was killing a little bit differently, too,” Appert said. “There was a little more pushdowns, and if you solve that pushdown to the top, that flank one-timer was open. Well, teams aren’t doing that (anymore); they’re sitting in tight and sitting on one-timers now.”

Thompson had success at the Olympics when he was fastened up close to net, gathering passes in the low slot and still utilizing his hard shot. This year’s Sabres power play might see a multitude of players in that position – whether it be Thompson, Josh Doan, Zach Benson or anyone else – but keeping pucks low and anchoring players beneath the hashmarks are what the group believes will yield success on the man advantage.

“Almost everybody in this league can kill really good for 20 seconds, but to be able to kill really good for 40 or 60 gets really hard,” Appert said. “Guys that win puck battles and solve pressure in those low areas of the ice usually can extend those possessions.”

Quinn quietly turning heads

It’s been hard to keep your eyes off Jack Quinn this week.

The newly minted 25-year-old scored twice at the Blue & Gold Scrimmage on Saturday, but his performance as of late extends beyond what fans have been able to see. Quinn has buzzed around the ice, clicking seamlessly alongside new linemates Noah Ostlund and Zach Benson.

“I think he has (taken) another step,” Ruff said on Saturday, adding that Quinn’s line was “probably the best line on the ice.”

Quinn is entering the final year of his two-year deal signed back in June 2025 and is a plausible candidate for a breakout season. Circumstance has not been entirely kind to Quinn in his young NHL career, as a 2023 Achilles injury inflicted some turbulence on his journey to become the star Buffalo believes him to be.

Goals scored in practice and preseason don’t count – but Quinn has certainly scored a lot of them. And coming off a 20-goal season – his first staying healthy for the full 82-game duration – his play so far indicates he’s ready to raise those numbers even more.

“I (have been) trying to get stronger and faster still, and keep working on my shot and be able to hang on to some pucks a little more,” Quinn said.

Danforth’s long-awaited debut

Justin Danforth will candidly admit it – he’s never been more excited for a preseason game.

“After you miss a year of hockey, (you realize) you kind of take it for granted when you’re healthy and you’re playing games,” Danforth said. “I’m just excited to get back out there with the guys on the ice and show these guys what I can do.”