If it looked like Rodrigues and Wilson were comfortable as linemates during Buffalo's win in Colorado on Tuesday, it's because they were. The two have a chemistry that dates all the way back to 2009, when they were 16 year olds in the OJHL on a Georgetown team that consisted mostly of 21 year olds.
Their proximity in age, combined with the fact that they played mostly as linemates, allowed them to develop a relationship that they've been able to maintain even as they went their separate ways both in college and professionally.
Amazingly, their chemistry on the ice stuck too. The two played on as linemates along with Kyle Okposo on Thursday and said it didn't feel like much had changed.
"Scott's always brought that energy," Rodrigues said. "He brings a little physicality to his game and has that finishing ability and I would be the playmaking one. We haven't changed much. I think our work ethic has probably gotten a little bit better than it was when we were 16, 17 years old but other than that we still play the same style."
"Honestly, he plays the exact same way," Wilson said of Rodrigues. "Skilled game, thinks the game really well. He was more of the dangler back then. I was still like I am today, I was kind of the shooter - play hard and finish my checks. Back then I probably had a little bit better hands but he's kept his hands with him, that's for sure."
Apparently, Phil Housley saw enough out of the duo to use them in high-leverage situations. The two worked together throughout the night on the penalty kill, with Wilson lifting the stick of Colorado forward J.T. Compher to prevent a scoring chance in the first period.
Housley later had their line on the ice with the Sabres protecting a one-goal lead while the Avalanche had its goalie pulled late in the third period. They were stuck on the ice for 1:36 straight, but protected the lead nonetheless. Rodrigues said their familiarity helped.
"Penalty kill especially, we kind of knew exactly what each other was going to do," he said. "You feel a lot more comfortable and you play a lot looser when you know what your linemates are going to do with the puck and without the puck."
Wilson was brought into Buffalo because of his ability to do the little things, and he directly contributed to Jake McCabe's goal in the second period with his net-front presence. While he remains scoreless this season, he received a season-high 14:19 of ice time.
Wilson scored 26 points in 78 games for Pittsburgh last season. With a new opportunity and a linemate he trusts, more offensive contributions could be on the horizon.
"I think that's what I'm trying to do," he said. "I haven't really gotten the bounces this year with regard to points but at the same time I haven't played that much either. I'm playing a little bit more here so I've just got to keep playing the right way.
"Even though it sucks sometimes not getting points, I think the mental part of it is just sticking with it and grinding through. Eventually the hockey gods will come on your side."
With Wilson and Rodrigues back together, it seems they already have.
