Last week, the Buffalo Sabres once again presented their fans with fool’s gold after they logged two upset wins and scored a total of 10 goals.
Over the last two contests, opponents outscored the Buffalo Sabres 9-1. To be fair, two of the Los Angeles Kings’ three goals were empty-netters. But still, it doesn’t excuse the Sabres from allowing six goals the following evening within two-and-a-half periods. Especially when, despite their record, they’ve proven they’re capable of playing better.
Did fatigue set in once again? The last time the Sabres played in back-to-back contests, opponents outscored them 12-6. Following a 7-3 blowout loss at the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Sabres head coach Don Granato cited fatigue. While it may have played a role in Monday night’s meltdown to the Panthers, perhaps something else did as well.
The Buffalo Sabres failed to adjust to the Florida Panthers style of play
When the Sabres lost to the Kings on Sunday, they lost to a team that embraced the grit-and-grind mentality. The Kings scored toward the end of the second period and sat on the puck the rest of the way. Having logged just eight hits, the Kings weren’t physical. They won face-offs and controlled the puck all the way through.
Enter the Florida Panthers, who embrace on offensive-minded game. With 233 goals, Florida is the highest-scoring team in hockey. Earlier in the season, the Sabres lost to the Panthers 7-4. And the scoring frenzy occurred last night when the Panthers logged four goals in the second period.
For a moment, it looked like the Sabres were going to hang with the Panthers. Despite trailing after the first period, Florida looked out of sync. They were slow and the Sabres took advantage, logging 11 shots on goal compared to Florida’s three.
Then came the scoring frenzy in the second period, and the Sabres could not adjust to the Panthers’ all-out offensive approach. It wasn’t that the Sabres didn’t have opportunities, as the Panthers gave them five power plays. They just couldn’t convert.
They also won 53% of their face-offs last night. Not that it mattered. By the end of the second period, it was over. The Panthers logged 20 shots on goal, converting four of them. And it once again showed how much the Sabres still need to grow.
The Kings and Panthers are playoff contenders who display two different playing styles. And until the Sabres learn how to adjust on a nightly basis, perpetual losing will continue for this franchise.