"The issue was rarely about his talent and usually about his health. Tim Connolly always had the ability and creativity to become a premier player in the National Hockey League. The toughest part for him was staying on the ice long enough to showcase his ridiculous skill for the Buffalo Sabres.

Injuries haven't been the problem this season. Connolly has suited up for all 35 games with the Sabres and is expected to be in the lineup tonight when they visit the Washington Capitals. The last time he played this deep into the season was 2005-06, a breakout year for him and a memorable season in franchise history.

But now, his game has quietly tailed off.

The Sabres have played so well that Connolly's recent slide has been largely overlooked outside of HSBC Arena. They lead the Northeast Division and have allowed the second-fewest goals in the conference. Goalie Ryan Miller has been absolutely superb. Their bottom two lines have made a huge difference over last year."