Sabres Shuffle Top Power Play Unit Amid Slump

Buffalo looks to spark its struggling man advantage ahead of playoffs

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:36pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting a Sabres power play sequence, with overlapping planes of blue and gold representing the fractured, multi-perspective nature of the play.The Sabres' power play struggles have prompted a restructuring of their top unit, as they look to regain their scoring touch ahead of the playoffs.Buffalo Today

The Buffalo Sabres are making changes to their top power play unit as they look to get their struggling man advantage back on track ahead of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Coach Lindy Ruff has moved defenseman Rasmus Dahlin to the right flank and inserted forward Jack Quinn on the blue line in an effort to maximize one-timer opportunities. The Sabres' power play has gone 0-for-17 over the last five games, and they're hoping the new look can help them start threatening opposing penalty kills more effectively.

Why it matters

The Sabres' power play has been streaky all season, and with the playoffs approaching, they know they need to get it firing on all cylinders. Successful postseason runs often hinge on having a dangerous power play unit, so Buffalo is looking to make the necessary adjustments to get their special teams back on track.

The details

The Sabres' new-look top power play unit features Rasmus Dahlin on the right flank, Jack Quinn on the blue line, Tage Thompson on the left flank, and Alex Tuch in the bumper position. Coach Ruff said the handedness of the players in these positions will maximize one-timer opportunities. The Sabres have attempted 47 power play shots over the last five games, with 23 on net and 10 high-danger chances, but they haven't been able to capitalize. Ruff wants to see his team be more aggressive and willing to shoot from farther out when the down-low plays aren't available.

  • The Sabres' power play has gone 0-for-17 over the last five games.
  • Buffalo has a week before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The players

Rasmus Dahlin

Sabres defenseman who has moved to the right flank on the top power play unit.

Jack Quinn

Sabres forward who has been inserted on the blue line of the top power play unit.

Tage Thompson

Sabres forward who remains on the left flank of the top power play unit.

Alex Tuch

Sabres forward who has joined the top power play unit in the bumper position.

Lindy Ruff

Sabres head coach who is making changes to the team's top power play unit.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to take a look at this for a game or two – we have that luxury. We've run a little bit dry, so now it's time to just try something.”

— Lindy Ruff, Sabres Head Coach

“Overall, I think we've just got to start threatening a little bit more, start shooting a few more pucks and not being afraid to keep them in chaos after some shots on net.”

— Jason Zucker, Sabres Forward

“Five-on-five, it's gonna be tight, it's gonna be hard to score, we're gonna be hard to play against and not give up many chances. So, when you get those chances on the power play and penalty kill, I think that's what makes the best teams in the playoffs.”

— Alex Tuch, Sabres Forward

What’s next

The Sabres will try out the new-look top power play unit for a game or two to see if it can help spark their struggling man advantage ahead of the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Sabres' power play has been a concern all season, and with the playoffs approaching, they know they need to get it firing on all cylinders. The team is making changes to the top unit in an effort to generate more scoring chances and capitalize on their opportunities, as a dangerous power play could be the difference-maker in a deep playoff run.