The Sabres find new and exciting ways to give me false hope every season. The flavour of the week is terrible team defence, and this time there’s no bailout from their goalie. Buffalo is in real trouble, and they need to figure out how to win consistently. Here’s three thoughts.
Abysmal Team Defence
I feel like a broken record sometimes. But the Sabres have once again proven to me that team defence is a real issue. It was especially highlighted by the fact that Mattias Samuelsson, the team’s best defensive defensman, exited the game two minutes in. I’m sorry, but UPL is not stopping every partial breakaway and cross-crease pass they give up. The Sabres should be on their knees begging for their goalies forgiveness because the chances this team gives up are way too good. Don Granato has to get this team playing defence. End of story.
Peterka Continues Point Streak
For a silver lining, JJ Peterka ups his point streak to four games. With a secondary assist to Henri Jokiharju, he now has 6 points on the year (4G-2A). Peterka looks fantastic every night. His motor is at 100% with every shift, and he has really found his scoring touch. He is not a liability on defence, and his overall play screams breakout year. It’s great to see his progress. The rest of the team should try and replicate his success.
Inconsistent Sabres
I can confidently say that this Sabres team is the most inconsistent I have seen in a while. They look like a playoff team against Colorado, then throw us back to 2015 with this dumpster fire. As a fan, I am exhausted by this franchise. There is no excuse for this roster. There is no hoping for the lottery. It is time to string together wins.
The Sabres are back tomorrow with a game against the Maple Leafs. I pray it is an easier watch than this.
