Buffalo Sabres Preseason: What We Learned From The Last Game
It’s all over now, and all we can do is look forwards to the regular season. The Buffalo Sabres closed out their preseason last night against the Columbus Blue Jackets and it was a fascinating performance overall. There was some good at the start, but not much and he ending of the game was the best display of Sabres hockey that I have seen in a number of years.
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I have had my concerns over the course of the preseason, and for the most part I have kept my negativity at bay due to the booming offensive numbers that were being put up. The Buffalo Sabres have strung together some key elements to make a team that is much more competitive. Though that fact was not evident in any way early last night, something kicked in at the end to light a fire in the team’s belly.
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Last night, the Buffalo Sabres found themselves down 5-0 by the end of the second period. They only managed 10 shots, and there seemed to be no fire coming from anyone. For the most part, I was sitting at my TV thinking that it was just like last year. My negative thoughts kicked in and I assumed the worst for the outcome of the game. Boy was I dead wrong. My days of doubting this team in any way are done.
Last night, the Buffalo Sabres scored four unanswered goals in the matter of about thirteen minutes. The goals came at the hands of Jamie McGinn (who scored two), Zemgus Girgensons, and Evander Kane. The third period started and there was a surprise jump in the step of every single player on the team. Checks were getting finished, scoring chances were coming easier, and Robin Lehner had a much needed break.
The team that I saw in that third period was not the team coached by Ted Nolan last year; the team that gave up once down more than 2 goals. No, this was a new team with a new mentality, and it was without a doubt the most exciting spectacle of hockey that I have seen in quite a while.
Last night showed us all that this team will no longer concede games when they trail in the third; that this team will no longer lose their fight once the goaltender falters. There was a distinct leadership presence out on the ice, and it came from a couple players that they needed it from; Jack Eichel and Zemgus Girgensons.
Eichel was involved in one of the goals, but it was the pressure he was applying, and his fire he was emitting from the bench that seemed to spark some true life in the legs of his teammates. Girgensons was out there pushing the pace and being a dominant power presence everywhere on the ice. It was not only refreshing to see this out of the Sabres, but it was reassuring.
We all have had our doubts about whether or not this team would be more competitive, or if it would be another year of the basement. Let last night be a testament to the work ethic expected from the Sabres, and what kind of effort we will get most nights.
Though the entire game effort was lacking last night, that issue will most likely get smoothed out by Dan Bylsma before next Thursday.
I look forward to the coming season more than anything else after that. Who agrees? What do you think?
Next: Sabres Opponent Outlook: St. Louis Blues
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