On Wednesday, Owen Power stepped into the spotlight when he was benched following a miscue on a first-period goal by Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad.
With the game still tied 0-0, the Sabres won a defensive-zone faceoff back to Power, whose clearing attempt was stopped at the point.
The 22-year-old defenceman was then caught out of position as Artemi Panarin fed a cross-ice pass to Zibanejad, who beat goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to open the scoring.
Head coach Lindy Ruff benched Power for the remaining 12 minutes and 59 seconds of the frame. New York would go on to win the game 3-2.
Afterwards, Power said he understood why he rode the pine.
“I mean, it’s pretty obvious. I make two horrible plays on that goal and there’s nothing much that really needs to be said. I know those plays are on me and I need to accept them, so, I mean, I think it’s just the accountability that we all ask for,” Power said.
Power was selected first overall in the 2021 draft and made his debut the next season. Through 29 games this year, he’s recorded four goals and 15 assists.
He said his mindset while on the bench was to try to be a good teammate.
“It’s not like I didn’t think I did something wrong. That goal’s totally on me. It’s two plays you can’t make so you just gotta sit there, be a good teammate and be ready for your next shift,” Power said.
Power would respond later in the game with a third-period goal that drew the Sabres within one. But it wasn’t enough as Buffalo suffered its eight straight defeat.
Forward JJ Peterka was also benched following a second-period turnover.