Sabres Come Up Short, Lose 5-4 To Devils: 3 Thoughts

Sabres fans are once again being subjected to close but never close enough hockey games. This is the latest in a string of close losses. Here are some takeaways.

Defensive Breakdowns

In spite of good team defense tonight, the Sabres are still making the same mistakes. When two of the other teams goals are breakaways, you know something is wrong. Buffalo continues to give up terrible turnovers and defensive breakdowns at key moments. Don Granato needs to sit down with his defensemen and watch some tape.

Dahlin, Cozens Stay Hot

Rasmus Dahlin and Dylan Cozens continued their point streaks. Dahlin’s seven game streak (1G-6A) ties the longest streak by a defenseman in Sabre history. Cozens continues his six game point streak (3G-4A) with a game-tying goal late in the third.

Devils Continue To Dominate On Offence

The Devils have become one of the most dynamic offenses in the NHL, and they continued to roll tonight. Jack Hughes has 18(!) points in 7 games and looks like an absolute superstar. His brother Luke QB’d the power play like a veteran, even if it didn’t show in the efficiency stats. Jesper Bratt, Tyler Toffoli, and all the other supporters make this team look like this year’s Edmonton Oilers.

All together, the Sabres need to put this game behind them and start to get their defense together. They face the Avs on the 29th.

ITR 43: It's Winning Time – Inside The Rink

Join Chris and Conrad as they break down the Chris Kreider trade, the Calder Cup Final, and the Stanley Cup Final drawing to an end.

1. ITR 43: It's Winning Time 39:10
2. ITR 42: Ripe For Repeat? 29:05
3. ITR 41: Stanley Cup Final – The Rematch 46:47
4. ITR 40: Headed For A Repeat? 32:22
5. ITR 39: Conference Finals 35:18