Pluses: Center Jack Eichel is starting to play better. He's tied for the Sabres lead with 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in 10 games, including four points (two goals, two assists) in his past four games. It's no secret the Sabres need him to carry the offense. Forward Jason Pominville, who was traded back to the Sabres by the Minnesota Wild on June 30, has 11 points (five goals, six assists), and has been getting top-line ice time. Forward Evander Kane, who also has 11 points (six goals, five assists), is an X-factor for them. He's skilled and brings a different element, whether it's his toughness, his agility or his ability to create for his teammates.
Goaltender Chad Johnson is starting to find his game. He made 37 saves on 40 shots in a 4-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Friday and while his numbers aren't very good (3.84 goals-against average, .881 save percentage in five games), he is showing signs of becoming a solid backup to starter Robin Lehner. Johnson, who signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Sabres on July 1, said he had unfinished business after playing for a personal NHL-best 45 games and going 22-16-4 with a 2.36 GAA and .920 save percentage with the Sabres in 2015-16. The Sabres need more performances like the one he had Thursday to be successful.