Buffalo Sabres defenseman Connor Clifton has experienced a remarkable turnaround in his performance, playing a crucial role in the team's recent success. The 28-year-old Clifton, the oldest member of the Sabres' defense corps, has been instrumental in bringing a blend of abrasiveness, physicality, and reliable defensive play to the blue line.

With 296 games of NHL experience under his belt, Clifton's résumé includes 12 goals, 57 points, and 46 playoff games, including an impressive run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2019 with the Boston Bruins. General Manager Kevyn Adams brought Clifton to Buffalo with the intention of transforming the Sabres into a team that values team defense while still creating offense.

Since New Year's Day, the Sabres have shown significant improvement, allowing only 2.28 goals per game, ranking third fewest in the NHL. Clifton's contribution cannot be overstated, as he has played a vital role in the team's defensive resurgence. Paired with Jacob Bryson's return from Rochester and the addition of Bowen Byram ahead of the trade deadline, the revamped blue line has helped solidify Buffalo's defense.

Clifton's own journey to success has not been without its challenges. He had a difficult start to the season, prompting Sabres coach Don Granato to make him a healthy scratch for a game against the St. Louis Blues. However, Clifton's performance took a turn for the better against his former team, the Boston Bruins. Since then, he has recorded two goals, 12 points, and an impressive plus-18 rating in the past 41 games.

According to Natural Stat Trick, the Sabres have outscored opponents 30-14 at 5-on-5 with Clifton on the ice during this period. Despite primarily being used in a third-pair role at even strength, Clifton leads all Buffalo defensemen in penalty-kill ice time, hits, and is second in blocked shots. His contributions go beyond statistics; Clifton brings a strong presence and personality to the team, providing leadership and valuable experience gained from previous successes and failures.

Although he has not received the first-pair opportunity he had in Boston, Clifton has excelled in his role, offering the Sabres a level of wisdom and skill set that was previously lacking. As the Sabres make a push for a wild-card spot in the playoffs, Clifton's impact on the team's performance cannot be overlooked.

"We've found our game the past 10 games, and we have a lot more to do these last 15 games to try to get in that wild-card spot. That's really what it's all about right now... We believe we're getting in the playoffs, and we've got to put our best foot forward and keep grinding out these wins," Clifton expressed confidently.

With Clifton's resurgence, the Sabres have shown tremendous improvement and a promising future. As they continue to build on their recent success, Clifton's experience and contributions will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the team's journey towards a playoff spot.