Sabres current five-game losing streak is a worrying sign

The Buffalo Sabres‘ losing streak is now at five games. We are still 13 losses away from matching last season’s epic futility, but five is still a bit jarring to say the least.

The streak started with the blowing of a two-goal lead against the Los Angeles Kings. That was followed by two absolute clunkers against the Sharks and Kraken, another blown lead against the Red Wings, and a game against the Capitals in which they looked completely overmatched for much of the game.

Each time the Sabres take the ice, there is hope that they will get back to playing the way they did in the first few games of the season. But hope turns to frustration pretty quickly, especially when the team gives up a goal in the first five minutes of the game, or even on the first shift of the game like they did against the Red Wings.

Kyle Okposo promised us that the team would work hard and be entertaining. Waiting for the Sabres to get the puck out of their own end is not entertaining. Seeing them chase their opponents all over the ice in a vain attempt to get the puck back is not entertaining. Watching them get outshot every single game is not entertaining.

So when is the next win coming? Will it be at home against the Oilers or the Leafs? Could they pick up a win in Pittsburgh? Right now it may seem like it could be a long time before they find their way into the win column again.

But, as with most things, there are a couple of nuggets of hope to nibble on.

First is the fact that the schedule calms down a bit. Coming home from a West Coast trip and then immediately playing twice in three nights in two different cities is a grind. Perhaps the guys will feel a little lighter in the legs after a couple of days off.

Next, you have to assume that things will get better once Casey Mittelstadt and Victor Olofsson return to the lineup.

You can also look back and remember the back-to-back wins against the Islanders, the 5-2 drubbing of the Capitals in Washington, and UPL’s first NHL win over the Bruins, not to mention the six-goal barrage that brought the infamous 18-game losing streak to an end. These things all happened last season, which was arguably the worst season in franchise (or maybe even league) history. If we agree that this season HAS to be better than last year, then we have to believe the guys will find their stride again sooner rather than later.

I hope the next win comes soon. I am starting to get a little depressed. The weather is getting colder and the golf season is winding down. The Bills couldn’t even score a touchdown in Jacksonville. Now the Sabres are struggling. I need a win. Please.