Game Recap: Buffalo Sabres vs. Columbus Blue Jackets|12/30/23

In a surprise comeback win, the Buffalo Sabres have defeated the Blue Jackets 3-2 in overtime. Here are today’s takeaways.

Volume Shooting

The Sabres have been up and down this year in every aspect, the shot volume included. But tonight, they played the style of Sabres offense that will win them games. Quick off the rush shots, followed by swarming the puck. The game-tying goal by Casey Mittelstadt was a great example. Drop pass off the rush, followed by a quick wrister. 42 shots is nothing to scoff at. But the question with the Sabres all year has been if they can consistently produce results. Hopefully, they build off this.

Unacceptable D Zone Play

If there is one thing that can be guaranteed from the 2023/2024 Buffalo Sabres, it’s sloppy D zone play. Even in a game with better offensive results, both goals could have been prevented had the defencemen handled the puck with care. Even in a win, the amount of giveaways have to be acknowledged. This should have been a 3-0 domination of Columbus. But that’s all I’ll say for now.

New Year, New Sabres?

Despite my pessimism, I can’t lie and say I’m not hoping for a turn around in the new year. This is the type of game you can build a win streak off of. And for a team that hasn’t won more than three games in a row this year, maybe all they need is a new one.

The Sabres have one more game in 2023 tomorrow, in Canada’s capital, against the Senators.

ITR 30: Down The Stretch – Inside The Rink

Join Conrad and Chris as they discuss the NHL General Managers Meetings, Connor Bedard's antics, Mikko Rantanen returning to Colorado, Gabriel Landeskog resumes skating with the team, Ovechkin's Gr8 Chase, and NHL Playoff updates.

1. ITR 30: Down The Stretch 59:42
2. ITR 29: Trade Deadline Review 01:02:40
3. ITR 28: Deadline Week 44:07
4. ITR 27: Trade Season Begins 01:07:33
5. ITR 26: 2 Nations Fighting 42:17