Benson and Doan
Buffalo’s third-line wingers made headlines April 8 at Madison Square Garden, where Josh Doan selflessly gifted Benson an empty-net goal to close out a win. Doan set up both Benson goals in Round 1 versus Boston, too, but those took some much tougher plays: a signature offensive-zone steal in Game 4 and a race to a loose puck – followed by a big hit in the corner – in Game 6.
They cycled through Josh Norris and Ostlund as their center, but with Benson and Doan skating together at 5-on-5 in the series, the Sabres outscored the Bruins 4-2 and outshot them 32-17, with a 62-percent share of the expected goals (Natural Stat Trick).
“Our line can be a pain to play against,” Benson said. “… I think Doaner’s so good at picking guys’ pockets that that can be frustrating over six games, or however long you play. It’s never fun to play against guys that compete and battle every shift like our group did all series.”
And Ruff offered some high praise of Benson, who drew eight Boston penalties – and the ire of defenseman Charlie McAvoy with a late slash in Game 6.
“He’s like that insect that won’t go away. You can keep swatting at it, but you just can’t quite get it, and it keeps landing on you,” the coach said. “Benny is on the puck as good as anybody on this team. I think him and Doaner are two of the best.”
Some examples from Round 1:
