Score: Sabres 1 | Golden Knights 3
Shots: BUF 24 | VGK 33
Buffalo Sabres Goals:
- Zucker (Dahlin, Peterka)
Vegas Golden Knights Goals:
- Laczynski (Howden, Whitecloud)
- Stone (Eichel, Pearson)
- Eichel (Pearson, Hanifin)
Plus 1: Zucker as Advertised
I’ll start with the one positive from this game. Jason Zucker has been everything Buffalo could have hoped he would be. He’s now a fixture on their top line, their top powerplay scorer, and on a four-game goal scoring streak. For all the disappointments this season has brought, Zucker is one of the few bright spots. Had Buffalo not found their way to the bottom of the standings, Zucker would have been heralded as an addition that put them over the top. Instead, he will likely be trade deadline asset to a contending team.
Minus 1: Crushed on the Rush
This game was lost in transition. Buffalo needed to play a disciplined game to keep it close against a Western Conference powerhouse. However, they found themselves unable to properly defend the Golden Knights’ rush attack in the first period. The Sabres found themselves down and practically out after failing to prevent well executed rush plays. Vegas took advantage of the Sabres’ lackadaisical rush defense with two well executed goals in the first period. With Buffalo struggling to generate offense, the lack of focus on the rush proved fatal to the Sabres’ chances at victory.
Minus 2: Outclassed
The Sabres were outplayed from start to finish in this game. Vegas is the top team in the league for a reason. They do not take anyone for granted. Vegas was relentless and overwhelmed the Sabres most of the night. The speed of their game, the execution of their impact players, and the willingness of their role players to sacrifice all eclipsed what Buffalo could muster. Some may quibble about their LTIR usage, but they play like champions. Even against a team near the bottom of the standings.
Final Thoughts
The Sabres began this year with so much hope. That hope has collapsed into a pain Sabre fans have become too accustomed to the last 14 years. This was another reminder of how far they have to go to be a true contender. The Golden Knights controlled this game start to finish. Buffalo struggled to generate adequate offense all night. They looked outmatched against a recent cup champion, and had their former captain justify his trade request again. Without a drastic change, Buffalo is headed for another dismal season.