The sample size is small – three games out of 82. But little things mean a lot when you’re the Buffalo Sabres and working your way out of the National Hockey League basement.
It’s the small things which create opportunities which lead to goals which lead to wins.
That’s how it added up for the Sabres on Monday afternoon in their first win of the season, a 4-2 decision over the Columbus Blue Jackets in First Niagara Center.
The Sabres earned seven power plays in the game, some a result of undisciplined play by the Blue Jackets and some a result of strong, aggressive play in the offensive zone.