The Buffalo Sabres haven't had the best of weeks this week, struggling against the Blackhawks, Canadiens, and the New Jersey Devils. Their 0-4-1 record during the week highlight these struggles, the only point they earned came against the New Jersey Devils. Bad starts usually have a way of sinking a team come playoff time, but it is still early and the team could work their way out of this.
Last week's schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Score |
| 10/11 | vs. Chicago | 4-3 Chicago |
| 10/13 | vs. New Jersey | 1-0 New Jersey (overtime) |
| 10/15 | vs. Montreal | 2-1 Montreal |
| 10/16 | @ Chicago |
4-3 Chicago |
Week At A Glance
Record - 0-4-1
Place in Division - Tied for 4th with 3 points, 1 point behind Boston
Place in Conference - Tied for 12th with 3 points, 1 point behind Boston, Carolina, and Florida.
Total Goals For: 7
Total Goals Against: 11
Monday
The Chicago Blackhawks came into town on Monday and looked like the better team as they defeated the Sabres 4-3. The major story coming out of this game was the Niklas Hjalmarsson hit on Jason Pominville:
Hjalmarsson would end up being suspended for two games for the hit and ended up returning for Saturday's game against the Sabres.
Wednesday
The New Jersey Devils played with 16 skaters, two less than the minimum amount , and ended up keeping the Sabres scoreless throughout the whole game. Ryan Miller and Martin Brodeur were the stars of the game, with Miller making 34 saves during the 1-0 overtime loss. Ilya Kovalchuk scored the only goal in the game, 53 seconds into the overtime period.
Friday
The Sabres celebrated their 40th anniversary 40 years to the date of the first opening night game against the Canadiens. Unfortunately for Buffalo, the outcome was the same with a 2-1 loss to the Canadiens. The highlight of the night was the ceremony before the game:
Saturday
Hoping that getting away from home might cure the team's ails, the Sabres headed to Chicago to face off against the Blackhawks. Many fans wondered what would happen with Hjalmarsson, and those hoping for fireworks were disappointed when Hjalmarsson was left alone for the game and players like Patrick Kaleta and Cody McCormick kept to themselves.
The Blackhawks took their only lead of the night on a powerplay goal in the third period, which ended up being the game winner:
Player of the Week
Stafford had two goals, both against the Blackhawks, and two assists on the week to make him the most productive Sabres player of the week.
Honorable Mention to Derek Roy who had two goals himself and continues to be tied for the league lead in goals with five.
Look Forward
| Date | Opponent |
| 10/20 | @ Atlanta |
| 10/22 | vs. Ottawa |
| 10/23 | @ New Jersey |
The Sabres have three winable games to try and stop the current five game losing streak. The Atlanta Thrashers start the week on Wednesday, a team that has found some success this season with a 3-2 record. The Sabres head back home for a game against Ottawa, the only team they have beaten this season. Finally, the Sabres finish the week against the Devils who will still try to figure out a roster that will work for the team.