I think it's a bit of "the best defense is a good offense." Because the Sabres are more of a threat offensively now teams might not be selling out in the Sabres zone as much. Under Kreuger I don't think opponents worried one bit about the Sabres in transition. But I also think the Sabres are more confident in their own end. We don't seem to get caught in that spiral death trap as much. We are able to break up plays and carry out of the zone.
I don't expect Eichel to be back this year. I think he's fully shut down. It would be foolish to bring him back now. There's only a month left to the season.
How did they look against the Rangers, a team fighting for a playoff berth? We'll also get to see how they play vs the Pens, Caps, Isles and 6 against the Bruins. Let's assess again then.