· Winning faceoffs is a key part of winning in the NHL. Obviously, the more your team has the puck the better your chances of winning. This is a part of the game that the Sabres have struggled in since the lock out. Even when Chris Drury was here, Buffalo has been barely over 50% for a season on average on faceoff wins. In the 2008-2009 season the team tied a decade low of 47.4%, making them third last in the league last season. So far this season the team is fourth in the league, winning over 52% thus far. Last night against the New York Islanders the Sabres won 39-47, helped by a 14 for 14 night by Derek Roy. Meanwhile, Paul Gaustad is leading the league with a 69.9% record, with 76% effort last night. It would be a big help to the team if Roy could pick up some slack in the faceoff circle, as the Sabres have pretty much relied on Gaustad since Chris Drury left the team.