After suffering through an embarrassing 13-game losing streak, the Buffalo Sabres have managed to string two wins together, as they definitively dismantled the New York Islanders 7-1, and then beat the Chicago Blackhawks 6-3 respectfully. During the course of those games, the Sabres “Kid Line” of Dylan Cozens, JJ Peterka, and Jack Quinn have been reunited, and they have looked like their old selves back when they were clicking as a dominant second line. As the Sabres continue to try and dig out of the hole that they have dug themselves this season, having these three back on the scoresheet on a regular basis is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Dylan Cozens & Jack Quinn Are Finally Producing
To start the season, Cozens and Quinn both had high expectations and hype, as the coach and systems were likely to fit their play style, but unfortunately, things did not line up that way. It took until the start of November for Cozens to score his first goal of the season, and for Quinn, his first non-empty net goal did not come until Dec. 15. The cold streaks were running rampant for both players, and the puck just would not go in the net like it normally would. This found Quinn sitting up in the press box multiple times as a healthy scratch as his lack of production was deemed unacceptable by head coach Lindy Ruff. As for Cozens, he was putting forth a solid effort every night, but the snakebite was just too deep for him to shake at the start of the season and it caused him to get moved around the lineup.
Fortunately, it looks like all that is turning around as both players are riding some decent hot streaks over their last few games. Cozens has two goals and six points in his last five games, and Quinn has four goals and six points in his last five games. With the addition of Peterka to their line, it looks like the three of them have found the chemistry of their early days once again, and it speaks volumes to all their production. Even Peterka, after having a bit of a cold spell is now riding a six-game point streak and has two goals and eight points during that streak. Production is key from these three, and if the Sabres are going to have a chance at getting out of the league basement, this trio will be a big part of it.
Kid Line Chemistry Goes Beyond Scoring
Watching these three play together again, and seeing them look united has been a real treat. It’s not…
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