Shots: BUF 29 | COL 37
Buffalo Sabres Goals:
- Thompson (Tuch, Dahlin)
Colorado Avalanche Goals:
- MacKinnon (Necas, Burns)
- Makar (Nichushkin)
- MacKinnon (Necas, Makar)
Minus 1: Third Period Malaise
Buffalo had a tough matchup against one of the best teams in the league while missing key players out of the lineup. A couple breakdowns in the second period put them in an unenviable position of attempting a multi-goal third period comeback. It’s a tall ask to complete, but it shouldn’t be difficult to give it the old college try. The Sabres came out flat to start the third and only managed a measly 4 shots in the final 20 minutes. There was no desperation. There was no fight. Colorado dominated the period and suffocated any meager attempt at a counterattack. This was not what fans were hoping to see after Lindy Ruff called out his team’s effort in Boston on Saturday.
Plus 1: One Line Looks Good
Injuries have derailed the original lineup plans and forced reshuffling of lines, particularly on forward. The result has been at least one line that can generate offense. The line of Doan-Thompson-Tuch looked good for most of the game. Doan is proving to be the most consistent positive force in the forward group. Thompson cashed in his first of the year, and Tuch had some good looks. Unfortunately for Buffalo, the rest of the lineup struggled to make an impact. At least they’ve found one combination that works.
Minus 2: Stars Need to Shine
While the Thompson line looked relatively good, Colorado showed what happens when top players contribute up to expectations. MacKinnon couldn’t be stopped as he scored as many goals in on game as Buffalo has in three. Makar and Necas also added two points each. The Sabres had no answer for the top end talent of Colorado. The injuries are exposing this roster’s lack of depth, and games like this show the necessity of Buffalo’s top players to step up against the elite players in this league. Otherwise, they’ll fight to a draw for most of the night until their opponent’s game-breakers tip the scales in their favor.
Final Thoughts
Any optimism in much of the fanbase has quickly been extinguished. Like Marty McFly in Back to the Future, we’ve seen this one before. There have been 3 brutal games including two at home. The team has more losses than goals. The only bright side is that it’s early in the season. Fans will forgive the rough start if they can turn it around. However, the team needs to show more than they have so far to be successful.