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Royal Letdown

Oct 10, 2024; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Henri Jokiharju (10) and Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) go after a loose puck during the first period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Score: Kings 3 | Sabres 1

Shots: LAK 23 | BUF 33

Buffalo Sabres Goals:

  1. Tuch (Unassisted) (SHG)

Los Angeles Kings Goals:

  1. Kopitar (Laferriere, Edmundson)
  2. Kopitar (Spence, Fiala) (PP)
  3. Kopitar (Byfield, Kempe) (EN)

Plus 1: Aggressive PK

The Sabres special teams’ goal-less drought ended during their home opener. Surprisingly, this did not come from the powerplay. Alex Tuch disrupted a zone entry in the neutral zone and put in his own rebound on the ensuing shorthanded breakaway. This was the cherry on top for a unit that had been the most consistent part of Buffalo’s game all night. The coaches clearly instructed the killers to pressure the Kings powerplay all over the ice. They were able to stifle the opposition and were quick on the counterattack. Although it did not turn into a goal, McLeod’s penalty shot attempt was caused by pressure by the killers to create the turnover and McLeod’s impressive speed in transition. If this play can continue, Buffalo could have one of the best penalty kills in the league.

Minus 1: Snakebitten Roster

Buffalo has only scored one goal in each of their first three games. Unlike the games against the Devils, there were no shortage of high danger chances generated. The entire team seems to be snakebitten at the moment. Numerous prime opportunities went wide of the net, off the post, or a miraculous save. McLeod was the victim of another highlight reel save as Kuemper dove across the crease to stop a wrap around chance on a seemingly open net. Thompson and Byram both rang attempts off the posts. The goals will come if they generate the same amount of offense consistently, but it’s certainly frustrating to watch.

Minus 2: Loss of Composure

Despite the great effort in their home opener, Buffalo failed to secure the win. With the game tied late in the game, Zucker was called for a…questionable at best roughing call. Zucker’s reaction earned him a 10-minute misconduct which ended his night. Zucker was justified in being upset by the call, but he cannot make the situation worst by essentially getting tossed from the game. He’s one of the oldest players on the team and needs to keep calm in pressure situations. However, the kill had been excellent all night, so Buffalo could conceivable survive the late powerplay. The mistake that cost the game was when Samuelsson tomahawked Turcotte’s stick in half during the kill. Kopitar buried the game winner on the ensuing 5 on 3. Technically, Zucker’s minor had expired but Buffalo’s 4th skater hadn’t had time to rejoin the play. The undisciplined slash cost Buffalo the game. There is no excuse for it and could result in Samuelsson spending a night in the press box.

Final Thoughts

Buffalo deserved to win this game. They dominated play most of the night and generated most of the scoring chances. Thompson did everything but score in his best game so far this season. Benson looked at home with Thompson and Tuch as that line tilted the ice every time they were out there. There are a lot of positives to take from this game which makes the ending more frustrating. If they can replicate this performance consistently, they will have a successful season. Hopefully, they can get over their scoring drought against the Panthers on Saturday.

Talking Points