In the second part of our four part series taking a look at the Sabres and Flyers playoff series, we take a look at the two teams’ special teams. The Sabres really sunk themselves last year after going 0 for 19 on the powerplay against the Bruins, so special teams does play a major factor in the playoffs.
Buffalo
The Buffalo Sabres finished the season with a top ten powerplay at 19.4%. Thomas Vanek and Drew Stafford each finished the season with 11 powerplay goals, which leads the team in that category. Vanek also led the team in powerplay points with 28. The Sabres allowed the second most shorthanded goals this season as well, with 13 allowed in a total of 279 powerplays.
The Sabres penalty kill allowed 51 goals on 300 attempts this season for a kill rate of 83.0%. The Sabres finished the season with a 84.1% penalty kill at home and 82.1% penalty kill on the road.
Philadelphia
The Flyers finished the season with the 19th ranked powerplay in the league, converting 49 chances out of a total of 295 chances. Both Claude Giroux and Jeff Carter lead the Flyers in powerplay goals with eight apiece. Mike Richards leads the team in powerplay points with 21. The Flyers scored the second most shorthanded goals this season with 13.
The Flyers penalty kill finished the regular season 15th in the league giving up 54 powerplay goals in a total of 314 chances.
The Sabres have the better powerplay and penalty kill during the season and the edge has to go to them heading into the playoffs.