A slow start, a lack of top-tier execution and a sensational performance by Jake Allen results in another addition to the L column for the Sabres
Score: Sabres 1 | Canadiens 3
Shots: BUF 37 | MTL 27
Buffalo Sabres Goals: Jeff Skinner (3)
Montreal Canadiens Goals: J. Barron (1), B. Gallagher (2), T. Pearson (3)
Plus 1: Chances galore
The single tally on the board is an inaccurate description of the chances that the Sabres produced throughout the game. With 37 shots let by Thompson, Cozens and Dahlin, Buffalo went through stretches of domination. There were instances, particularly during the second and third periods, where most of the draws were in the Canadiens end.
The powerplay looked reinvigorated after an abysmal start to the season. Through 5 games, the Sabres scored 1 goal on 16 powerplay opportunities, leading to a measly 6.25%. Back to their usual creative selves, the puck movement and sheer skill of their top unit were impressive. During their matchup against Montreal, the Sabres got a powerplay goal early off a nice finish by Jeff Skinner for his third of the season, as well as an abundance of scoring chances in the 4 following powerplays.
By the end of the game, the Sabres had an xGoals (expected goals) of 4, exemplifying the overwhelming unluckiness and applaud-worthy performance Jake Allen put on in the Canadiens net. Further, moneypuck.com presented Buffalo with a 53.7% score on the ‘Win O’Meter’ scale, indicating that Buffalo had the chances without the bounces.
Negative 1: Towering Talent Lacking Production
While seeing the big, skilled Sabres dance around the ice, at some point, the production needs to pick up. After 6 games, Tuch has 1 secondary assist, Thompson has 1 goal, and Dahlin has 6 points, including 2 primary assists. Who remembers Dahlin scoring 5 goals and 8 points in the first 5 games of the 2022-2023 season?
Although this dip in production is concerning, it should also be noted that their production will most likely bounce back up fairly shortly. Over his last 2 seasons, Thompson has a shooting percentage around 15%. Through the start of this season, it is at 3.4%. With Tuch’s career average shooting percentage of 11.3%, he would have 3 goals already this year. In essence, this is more an issue of execution than production.
The largest concern with the lack of production that continued through Monday’s game against the Canadiens was that the chances were there. Thompson found himself with numerous one-time opportunities that last year would result in the red light lighting up behind the opponent’s goalie. Dahlin could not get pucks through like he was at the beginning of last year. Last year, Tuch averaged 2.95 shots per game. Through the first 6 games, he is averaging 1.67. Considering execution is the missing piece, the core pieces of this Sabres roster still need to provide themselves with the right opportunities to succeed.
Negative 2: Still Finding Cohesion
On the topic of tension, the Sabres seemed to have a lot of it. While much of the roster remains the same, lines have been juggled around, and tactics can also change. There were multiple sequences throughout the game where the team seemed to lack cohesion with one another. For instance, on a powerplay breakout, Tuch and Thompson both reached for the drop pass made by Dahlin, causing confusion and delay on their entry. In mid-season form, there should be no confusion between the top unit powerplay and who will be the puck carrier.
Another area of concern that, more likely than not, led to the loss last night was the inaccuracy of passes. One too many times, there were scoring chances that could have been completed with one or two touches, which turned into a skate-to-stick play or an extra pass because it took them too long to control the puck. The extra time required to make their desired play allowed a stick, body or goalie to get in front of a Sabres scoring chance.
Final Thought & Other Notes
In arguably the strongest division in the NHL, every point matters. Especially against divisional opponents. Even more so when you have the opportunity to play the Montreal Canadiens (maybe the only team not gunning for a playoff spot in the Atlantic) at home. At the end of the season, should the Sabres be in a position to push for the playoffs like they intend to, games like these against bottom-of-the-standing teams are going to be the ones that are remembered.
With another huge divisional matchup against another up-and-coming team in the Ottawa Senators, the Sabres will have to find a way to turn their prime scoring chances into results that will move them up the standings.