Crunching Numbers: Sabres Have Best Fourth Line in NHL

The Buffalo Sabres were able to rebound from their disappointing loss last Saturday by shutting out the New York Islanders 3-0.  Two power play goals and the best fourth line in hockey were the difference for the Buffalo Sabres.  It was amazing to see how good Patrick Kaleta, Paul Gaustad and Matt Ellis were in the victory.  They were so good they actually had more ice time than the top line of Derek Roy, Thomas Vanek and Drew Stafford.

This video of the Gaustad goal is the perfect example of how hard working that line was. I should have probably put up a video of Kaleta who had a remarkable seven hits in the game.

The Corsi number is a statistic that what created by Sabres goalie coach JIm Corsi. It is the difference in total shots for and the total shots against. It factors in all shots that were on net, attempts that were blocked and shots that missed the net. The idea is that it is a better reflection on a players two-way play because it shows puck possesion as opposed to only shots on goal.

Notes

• Patrick Kaleta had seven hits.  That is the most for a Sabres player in a game this season.  Without looking it up, I want to say the previous high was four.
• Kaleta and Matt Ellis were both a plus-13 Corsi Rating in the game.
• Thomas Vanek had the least amount of ice time on the team.  The fourth line played more than the first line.
• Five players had a 10 or better Corsi Rating
• Matt Ellis had six even strength shots on goal.
• The Sabres dominated.