Buffalo Sabres achieved a remarkable feat despite loss to Vegas
By Sion Fawkes
Although the Buffalo Sabres lost 7-4 to the Vegas Golden Knights, it didn’t stop them from accomplishing something they haven’t achieved since 2009.
The Buffalo Sabres have lost four straight and are now 7-7-0 on the season. Yes, they are in that infamous freefall, and some may be saying, ‘Same old Sabres.’ Meanwhile, I’m saying, ‘Young, inexperienced Sabres.’
Listen, the Sabres have faced a gauntlet that I wouldn’t wish on any young team, but it is an opportunity for the team to measure where they are currently at. Predictably, they are losing to the better, more experienced teams…for now….
So I’m not going to panic with a 7-7-0 team. I’ve repeatedly said this Sabres team will most likely, at best, compete for a wild card, and that’s the ceiling they are apparently headed for this year. But when you dig deep, you will find more than a few instances where the Sabres are more than on the right track.
Especially when they accomplish something they haven’t done since I was a senior in high school. And to put things into context, I last graced my high school’s hallways back in May 2009.
Buffalo Sabres did something remarkable against Vegas
Well, it wasn’t just against Vegas, but the Sabres scored a power play goal in their eighth straight contest. This hasn’t been done since between December 19th, 2008 and January 6th, 2009. Nearly fourteen years, to be exact.
Overall, the Sabres power play unit has been one of the best in the league, ranking seventh with a 26.4% conversion percentage, a far cry from what it was this time last season. They are also third in the league with 13 power play goals. But the power play isn’t the only category in which the team is excelling.
Following their loss to Vegas, the Sabres also led the league in shooting percentage at 12.1%, further indicating that, despite the slump, they are a much more improved team than they were last season.
Related Story. Sabres fanbase is only empowering Jack Eichel. light
I’ve said for a while now that W’s and L’s are not as relevant this season as progress. And while winning is the preferred method, seeing the Sabres grow as a team further tells us that the wins will come sooner than later. It’s a matter of when, not if for this hockey team.
Article Source: Postgame Report | Thompson scores twice in loss to Vegas by Jourdon LaBarber
(Statistics provided by ESPN.com)
Want your voice heard? Join the Sabre Noise team!