Buffalo is Better Than This, Face the Adversity Head On
Montreal Canadiens (6-4) at Buffalo Sabres (5-4)
Puck Drop: 7:00 PM | Bell Centre | Montreal, Quebec
TV: ESPN
Radio: WGR 550
Know Your Opponent
Montreal Canadiens
Record: 48-24-10 | 106 PTS
Division Ranking: 3rd in the Atlantic Division
Last Game: Beat Buffalo 6-2
PP: 20.5% | Sabres 11.1%
PK: 80.5% | Sabres 82.8%
What to Watch
1. Get Back to Basics, Increase the Effort Level
Buffalo now faces their first series deficit of the playoffs and it will be difficult to find their swagger again against Montreal. This Habs team is firing on all cylinders with a team wide high-energy level. The Sabres have lost their way since late in game 1 and need everyone back on board to change that. It’s not a good sign when two of your top players are caught coasting back on a Canadiens goal in that game 3 thumping. The sense of urgency has not been there. “I said before this started, they (Montreal) beat a hell of a team (Tampa Bay), they are a hell of a team,” head coach Lindy Ruff said. “Don’t take them for granted. If we don’t realize it now, we’re never going to realize it.”
This Sabres’ team is not getting it done. Sloppy passes, losing puck battles, not getting sustained pressure in the offensive zone is all contributing to the failures. Sans for Zach Benson and Josh Doan, the forward group has underwelmed in this series. Alex Tuch has been a non-factor on the scoresheet and despite his first goal in 7 games, Tage Thompson has been a liability. Tuch is -6 so far in three games and Tage is -7 which is just awful after some solid first round play from both. Ryan McLeod, Jason Zucker, Jack Quinn and Josh Norris have a combined 8 points through 9 Playoff games. That’s a stone cold average of 2 points per player. The secondary scoring has not been there and the top line scoring has been a disappointment.
2. Power Play Performance
One good thing to come out of game 3 for Buffalo was the power play. They went 1 for 4 and looked much better to the eyes. Zack Benson and Josh Doan were elevated to the top unit and their presense was felt. They both won battles (which has been a problem) and maintained possession and zone time. Benson especially got to the net and provided a nice screen on Rasmus Dahlin’s goal. Considering how poorly the man advantage has been, the Sabres would gladly take 1 for 4 results per game. Hell, they would happily accept 1 for 8.
Buffalo got some better passing, less chasing the puck back into their own zone, while getting some decent looks. Tage Thompson thought they seemed better too. “Felt like we really got a lot of momentum from our chances there, built some life for our group. I think any time you’re snapping it around like that, getting looks, it gives your team some momentum.” Hopefully that continues tonight for the Sabres.
3. Lineup Shuffle?
Fans and local media are calling for a shakeup to the lineup after double poor performances. It does seem a little nuts not to do some tinkering with the players who have struggled. (and following two straight losses) Lindy Ruff can be set his ways sometimes but he also surprises us once in a while. Logan Stanley had a rough outing in game 3, with a costly turnover. He was a good fit for Buffalo during the Boston series but the speed of the Canadiens shows his limitations. Jason Zucker (injured? dry spell?) has been one of the least productive forwards and he is a candidate to sit this one out too. As for Alex Lyon, many fans are split on what to do in goal. Of course, it’s Ruff’s call anyway, so it doesn’t matter. He has played very well overall in my book but has been left out to dry in the last two games, especially game 3. Is fatigue a thing with him? I don’t think so, but his tough playoff schedule is not what he is used to. If it were my call, I’d probably insert Luukkonen back in just for the shake up factor, not indicative of Lyon’s play. Then again, Alex is capable of a big shutdown game to tie the series up. Quite the dilemma.
The options for replacement are Kesselring and Metsa on defense (both faster players) and Pearson or Helenius up front. One is a fresh legs veteran and the other a speedy young scoring option. (with his ELC status on the line) Tyson Kozak seems like a given to return for Sam Carrick, who not only didn’t seem ready but also got roughed up in that scrum. I would be surprised at this point if Lindy didn’t do a little tinkering at least, but he is also known for his stubborn nature. No matter who is in the lineup, they need to play better and bring their all tonight. Get back to Buffalo Sabres hockey like we have seen these past five months. Forward Zach Benson agrees. “I think we’ve just got to get back to our game,” he said after game 3. “I don’t think we’ve played our best this series yet. We’ve just got to get back to our game: playing predictable, playing quick, and just compete all over the ice.”
Sabres’ fandom hopes they do too. Tonight is a do or die game for Buffalo. (or on life support at least) The sense of urgency HAS to be there throughout the lineup.
UPDATE: This morning’s practice saw some surprises as Helenius has indeed slotted in, but not for Zucker who will stay among the forward group. McLeod has dropped down to Carrick/Kozak’s spot and Konsta will center Zucker and Quinn. On defense, the biggest surprise has 36 year old Luke Schenn in for Stanley. Ruff is going with experience over youth and speed, a bit of a shocker while facing these Habs. And Luukkonen had the starter’s net, so that question has been answered. Three shifts in the lineup for Ruff, as many will lose their minds over his choices. I’m good with two of them.
Projected Lineups
Buffalo Sabres
Forwards:
Krebs – Thompson – Tuch
Benson – Norris – Doan
Zucker – Helenius – Quinn
Greenway – McLeod – Malenstyn
Defense:
Samuelsson – Dahlin
Byram – Power
Schenn – Timmins
Goalies:
Luukkonen, Lyon
Montreal Canadiens
Forwards:
Caufield – Suzuki – Slafkovsky
Newhook – Evans – Demidov
Texier – Danault – Anderson
Bolduc – Veleno – Dach
Defense:
Matheson – Carrier
Hutson – Guhle
Xhekaj – Dobson
Goalies:
Dobeš, Fowler