Despite their 0-5 record since defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins on November 2nd, the Buffalo Sabres have a golden opportunity to rebound this week.
It is no secret the Buffalo Sabres have fallen back to Earth in November, a book I’ve read more than I’ve read World of the Gateway, my all-time favorite book series. Unfortunately, I’m not as big a fan of the book entitled Heartbreak in November: A Buffalo Sabres Story.
The upside for this season? At least the team’s backslide came against elite opponents, minus the Arizona Coyotes. Then again, the team currently playing in a 5,000-seat arena has fared better than expected.
And this week, the Sabres can get back on track against opponents they have already beaten this season, and against another opponent north of the border who they often play rather well. Since this could be a good week, let’s make a few bold predictions.
1 – Tage Thompson scores four goals
These days, predicting four goals over a three-game span isn’t so bold when we’re talking about Tage Thompson. The guy has been nothing short of incredible, and he is currently tied with a few others for third in the NHL after finding the back of the net 11 times.
Overall, Tage has been a human highlight reel, and you can look for that output to continue against weaker competition this week. If Tage further refines the defensive aspects of his game and can create opportunities for others this week, points-wise, he can find the stat sheet at least six times offensively.
2 – Eric Comrie hits a save percentage of 92% this week
It is clear that Eric Comrie has struggled over the past few games. However, you can pin some of that blame on, at times, half the defensive rotation comprising AHL guys. Not an ideal situation for any goaltender.
With Henri Jokiharju slated to return this week barring any setback, it will work wonders for Comrie in the net with five of his six regulars in front of him. If Jokiharju picks up where he left off before he suffered a facial fracture, look for it to immediately help Comrie.
3 – Buffalo Sabres win three straight
How’s that for a rebound? So how in the world does this seemingly dysfunctional team take three straight this week? Though this is a bold prediction, it is also one that I see happening, because the Sabres already have experience beating the Senators and Canucks. Plus, do they play any team in the NHL better than the Maple Leafs?
Perhaps realistic prediction is a better term for this one? And even if the Sabres didn’t take all three games, they will, at the absolute least, keep things close in all three contests. So we’ll call the three wins bold, and say it’s realistic that they will hold their own in each contest.
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