Buffalo defenseman Owen Power is experiencing what he describes as the finest period of his four-year NHL career, despite his offensive statistics not fully reflecting this progress. At 23 years old, Power recently ended a 24-game stretch without scoring a goal and is on pace to finish the season with fewer points than his previous career low. Still, his recent on-ice performance aligns closely with the Buffalo Sabres‘ achievement of earning an NHL-best 44 points since early December, marking one of the franchise’s most impressive two-month periods.
Developing Confidence and Physicality on the Ice
Power remains focused on his overall game rather than point totals, emphasizing his increased confidence and improved play. He acknowledges that while the numbers may not show it, the way he feels on the ice suggests he is performing better than in previous years. This upswing coincides with the Sabres’ success over the last two months, with Power displaying greater assertiveness and physicality during games.
One NHL scout noted,
“He seems to have more emotion in his overall game. I believe this helps his intensity in defending as well. He is maturing and definitely has all the tools in his toolbox to be a dominant player at the NHL level if (this) trend continues.”
Key to Power’s improvements has been his skating ability, which transforms his presence on the ice. Power explained,
I definitely feel more confident,
adding that better use of his feet allows him to defend more effectively by closing gaps and reducing reliance on his stick.
So I think that’s kind of been a big thing. I’ve been able to close guys quicker and have tighter gaps. When you do that, the game’s a lot easier.
Utilizing Size and Avoiding Penalties
Power’s skating not only aids his defense but also lets him leverage his 6-foot-6, 226-pound frame more efficiently. He remarked,
When I use my feet, it’s way easier to be physical,
which contrasts with previous criticism regarding his lack of physicality. By relying on his skating, Power has avoided being caught out of position or reaching for the puck, an issue that can lead to penalties.
He has noticeably increased his physical engagement, registering 26 hits across 55 games—matching his total from 79 games last season. This balance of physicality and disciplined play highlights his growing maturity on defense.
Defensive Play as the Cornerstone of Growth
Power, the 2021 first overall draft pick, alongside Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff, prioritizes defensive reliability as the foundation for his game. Ruff has emphasized that success for defensemen starts with solid defensive play, effective skating, and moving the puck out of their zone, rather than focusing solely on point production.
Ruff explained,
With any defenseman, it starts with playing well defensively … and you’re not getting scored against and you’re skating well and you’re getting the puck up the ice,
adding that,
Break the puck out, don’t spend a lot of time in your zone, … If you spent too much time or you don’t break the puck up well, by the time you get out puck out of your zone, you’re changing.
The coach’s increasing trust in Power is clear, with the defenseman’s defensive-zone starts rising to a career-high 53.3 percent compared to 48.6 last season. In recent games, Power has often led the team in five-on-five ice time and averaged 23 minutes per game last month, indicating an expanded role.
Ruff praised Power’s overall game, stating,
He’s got his game in a good place,
and highlighted how his defensive capabilities enable him to transition into offensive opportunities.
Progress in Offensive Contributions
Power has displayed a growing ability to generate offense by skating the puck out of the defensive zone and attacking the rush, sometimes approaching play like a forward. This was evident during a recent game against the Montreal Canadiens where he scored a delayed penalty goal, his first since early December. Although his total points this season remain modest with four goals and 17 points, Power maintains confidence in his offensive game.
He noted,
I’ve been creating a lot, but the puck hasn’t gone in for me,
adding,
So to me, when you’re getting chances, you’re getting looks, you don’t really worry about it too much. It’s the times when you’re kind of doing nothing offensively where you got to look into it a little bit more.
Momentum Ahead of Olympic Hiatus
As the Sabres prepare for their final game before the upcoming Olympic break, they stand atop the NHL for points earned since early December, benefiting from the emergence of key players like Owen Power. His improved defensive skills, physical presence, and growing offensive involvement are contributing factors in the team’s strong momentum. With Power’s game continuing to evolve under coach Lindy Ruff’s guidance, the young defenseman appears poised to build on this trajectory when the season resumes after the Olympic pause.
Owen Power scores on a delayed penalty and extra skater on the ice, 1-1 #LetsGoBuffalo #Sabrehood #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/xvaoTDCeOP
— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) February 1, 2026
