The Buffalo Sabres did the right things, as far as the number go. They outshot the Ottawa Senators, won the Fenwick game, and earned more power plays along the way. But in the end, despite all that, the still fell to the Ottawa Senators 2-1.
Tyler Ennis scored the Sabres lone goal on the power play, with a nifty through-the-legs move to beat Senators netminder Craig Anderson. Ennis was the driving force for Buffalo’s offense, recording not only goal, but seven shots in over 21 minutes of ice time. Drew Stafford also chipped in six shots in the losing effort.
The Sabres were undone in part because of their fourth line, in particular John Scott. Big John took two minor penalties and finished the night -2, along with Cody McCormick and Henrik Tallinder. It will be interesting to see how head coach Ted Nolan reacts to that effort.
Speaking of Nolan, over the past few games, you can really see his process of coaching coming to fruition. The Sabres are working harder, and are (quite amazingly) winning the shot differential battle. The bad news is that you can also see the lack of talent, with Buffalo unable to put away some of its better chances, and Ennis’ lone goal coming with the man advantage. Still, process is mroe important than results, especially for the younger guys, and as long we keep getting entertaining losses, at least for this uber-rebuilding season, most fans will be happy with that.
Two Questions
1. Can Zemgus Girgensons continue live up to his already-too-large expectations?
Girgensons had a shot and two hits in just under 17 minutes, but we knew that the 19-year-old wouldn’t dominate every night.
2. The Sabres have been preaching compete level and consistency since Ted Nolan arrived and things are starting to produce results. Will the process continue in Ottawa?
Yes, I’ll do the lazy writer thing and say “see last paragraph above.”
Three Stars
1. Craig Anderson – 40 saves usually gets you a star
2. Bobby Ryan – one goal and an assist
3. Tyler Ennis– one goal on seven shots – dude is finding his rhythm
Comment of the Game
Hey John Scott.
Do you even hockey?
– Airforcebill
Do you, bro?