The second half of February proved to be a dark time in the 2021-22 Buffalo Sabres season.
The Buffalo Sabres lacked physicality and effort during their six-game losing streak. They were tough to watch, and the lack of defensive pursuit as a team cost them a plethora of goals.
The result? Multiple starts, stops, sputters and stalls as blowouts erupted into a nightly affair. Teams pushed the Sabres around, and the Minnesota Wild were no different. Except this time, the Sabres pushed back.
You saw it when All-Star defenseman Rasmus Dahlin slashed Jared Spurgeon following the final horn. Spurgeon thought he’d get aggressive and Dahlin said, “No, you ain’t.” The ensuing skirmish also involved Second-Star Casey Mittelstadt, Dylan Cozens, and alternate captain Kyle Okposo.
The Buffalo Sabres grew physical during and after the heated game against the Wild
Following the skirmish, Cozens waved at the Wild’s bench as he left the ice. And throughout the contest, their physicality saved the game. Leading 2-1 at the end of two periods, the Sabres threatened to look like the ‘same old Sabres’ following two quick Minnesota goals to start off the third period.
Then Casey Fitzgerald gave the team an emotional boost when he fought Minnesota forward Mason Shaw. Fitzgerald, known for his physicality, has further taken on the role of agitator and is evolving into a much-needed conduit when the team needs a spark. He’s shown it before last night, and he’ll show it again in the future.
It’s easy to point to forward Jeff Skinner for saving the game given his multiple-goal third period. But Fitzgerald’s dirty work last night saved the Sabres from yet another collapse. Once again, we’re looking at the team’s ability to remain physical after Fitzgerald ignited the spark.
Despite the physicality, let’s not forget about how in-sync the scoring units have been. In the previous two games, they scored 10 goals against two talented teams. The Sabres aren’t supposed to beat playoff contenders like the Maple Leafs and the Wild. But here they are, riding a 2-0-0 record in March, having beaten two of the NHL’s better teams.
The Los Angeles Kings skate into town for a Sunday matinee. Let’s see if the Sabres can keep up their newfound heat and continue to pour it on yet another playoff contender.