Lindy Ruff was so impatient with the Sabres’ forward lines that he likely would have broken up the French Connection after a bad game. The trio – Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin and Rene Robert – might not have lasted a period with Dan Bylsma on the bench.
Bylsma’s propensity for juggling makes keeping track of lines a circus act. Players often swap spots from period to period, and the color-coded practice jerseys move from stall to stall for morning workouts.
Injuries are clearly part of the reason. Evander Kane, Tyler Ennis, Brian Gionta and Marcus Foligno have been out with various ailments during the opening 12 games, putting dents into Bylsma’s plans for the scoring lines.