Sabres Struggles Continue Against Boston

by Andy Boron on Nov 20, 2009 10:27 PM EST in Game Recaps

The Sabres once again found out that playing 2/3 of a complete game was not enough to win. Buffalo was dominated by Boston in the second period, putting only 3 shots on net, and couldn't get back on track, losing in overtime 2-1 on a deflection goal by Patrice Bergeron. This was a game that Buffalo should not have lost, as Boston had just played an overtime game against Atlanta last night, and the Sabres saw Toni Lydman return to the lineup in place of Reggie Sekera.

The Sabres came out with fire, out-shooting Boston 8-4 in the first and throwing their bodies around to set the tone. It paid off on the power play when Paul Gaustad tipped home a shot from Jason Pominville, who just seconds earlier had made a great hustle play to keep the puck in the zone. Buffalo had to be feeling pretty good about themselves going into the first intermission, but played like a completely different team in the second.

Aside from the abysmal 3 shots on goal, the team could not recover from early back-to-back penalties by Roy and Lydman. After successfully killing off both penalties, the Sabres seemed to forget that they were no longer on the penalty kill, as it was rush after rush for Boston, and nothing but dump-and-changes for Buffalo until they finally showed some fire in the last 5 minutes. To top it all off, a bad decision by Butler halfway though the period led to an odd man rush and a goal by Milan Lucic, his first since returning from injury.

The third period saw more life from the Sabres, with the line of Kennedy-Gaustad-Kaleta getting some good chances. Despite their efforts, 15 shots on goal led only to overtime, where the you-could-see-it-coming deflection by Bergeron on a wrister from Chara sunk the Sabres.

Once again Miller (24 saves) and Gaustad (1 goal, second star) were the two best players on the ice for Buffalo. The coaching staff needs to find a way to get some other offensive guys going in order to rebound quickly from this mini-losing streak. Buffalo travels to Ottawa tomorrow to take on the Senators and try to get back on track with a win. Feel free to vent in the comments.

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I think the poor performance by the Sabres is a reflection on Grier’s absence. This team really seems a bit lackluster without Grier’s presence.

by Sn1perX on Nov 21, 2009 12:16 AM EST reply actions

Ack.

This reminded me of the 1st game of the year against the Canadians. So… now we should go 8-1-1 again. Logic win.

by Jsz on Nov 21, 2009 9:03 AM EST reply actions

The Sabres are around 25th in the league

in scoring. Then again, it’s the same forwards and the same coach who had trouble scoring much of the last two years…..so it’s not a shock.

by ccthemovieman on Nov 21, 2009 9:03 AM EST reply actions

The thing is...

they didn’t struggle scoring goals the last two years. They were 12th in the league last year and they were 4th two seasons ago. The difference this season has been the power play struggles. They have been better at 5-on-5 but the power play has struggled, although it’s seems to be reversed the last couple of games.

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Nov 21, 2009 9:37 AM EST up reply actions

It’s…

- The lack of a real PP point man. Having to play Butler and Rivet on the PP is a mistake.
- Tim Connolly.
- Trying to make cute plays, especially at home (again, Tim Connolly)
- Tim Connolly.
- Forcing passes through lanes that aren’t there
- Shooting the puck repeatedly into opponents shin pads or firing it wide (Pominville)
- Oh, Tim Connolly.

by Afino on Nov 21, 2009 10:59 AM EST up reply actions

Yes, they did

their final numbers were inflated with 10-goal games against Edmonton and 7 against the Isles one night. Over 30 times we scored 0-2 goals during the season and many times we would score goals in the last minute or two which were meaningless (the too little-too late variety).

Ruff’s teams are not exactly known for their offense. If don’t have a Hasek or a Miller, we are in deep do-do.

by ccthemovieman on Nov 21, 2009 12:02 PM EST up reply actions

Point taken

Every team is going to have a game or two that will inflate their numbers. It doesn’t mean they are a bad offense, in fact I would argue that you have to be pretty good to score 10 goals in a game. The Sabres scored two or less 36 times last season, the Red Wings (#1 offense) just 21 times, however the second best offense (Boston Bruins) 31 times. Te Bruins number is not far off the Sabres number.

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Nov 21, 2009 12:36 PM EST up reply actions

I did not see the Florida game. That being said, our last three losses (aside from Florida) we’ve been getting scored on by mostly (if not all) deflection shots. Flukey goals. Garbage goals. Those are exactly the kind of goals we need to start scoring. I thought the goal by Boston in overtime was brilliant. These are the types of shots, that our team does not take enough of. Throw the puck at the net boys. Get someone in front. While I appreciate Roy and Vanek, and Connolly’s ability to stick handle, I think it’s time for some better choices. We don’t always need the perfect play or the perfect shot. Just get pucks on net with someone in front. Do it! Go Sabes!

by KTyczka on Nov 21, 2009 11:47 AM EST reply actions