3 strategies that can break the Buffalo Sabres losing streak
If there is any solace to find in the latest Buffalo Sabres loss, it’s that each brings them one step closer to finding a way to return to the W column.
Every time the Buffalo Sabres find themselves stuck in the L column these days, I always remember that they just found another set of strategies that didn’t work. And in last night’s loss vs. the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Sabres saw some positives, but in that realm of positives there were, once again, strategies that didn’t pan out.
And that’s okay, because they only need to tweak, and those tweaks are something we will discuss. So what do the Sabres need to employ to get themselves a W? Check them out below.
1 – Set up screens
The Buffalo Sabres outshot the Leafs 34-23 last night, and getting shots off is one solid step in the right direction. Something else I noticed was that the shots seemed as though they were distributed better on the ice. The problem, however, is that goaltender Matt Murray had an easy time, saving 32 of 34 shots on goal.
The Sabres fire away at the net, but if they find ways to set up more screens, you will see more goals scored. Not only will this affect a goaltender’s visibility; they can also deflect shots as-needed. These will also increase the odds for rebounds and second chances.
2 – Stop rushing things offensively
One reason the Buffalo Sabres continually mishandle the puck in the offensive zone is that they are trying to do too much too quickly. This leads to erratic passes, the inability to handle the puck when on the receiving end of a pass, and at times, inadvertently deflecting the puck back into the neutral zone.
I’ve said it in previous articles, and I will say it again: The Sabres simply need to start taking their time. Such a strategy will also help keep the puck out of the hands of more experienced opponents, which will only help the Sabres snag a much-needed W.
3 – Focus on positioning
When you look at the goaltending on paper, it looks abysmal, but it’s not entirely on goalies Craig Anderson, Eric Comrie, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Instead, it starts with bad defense from all five players on the ice.
One reason is that the Sabres are often caught out of position far too often, and it leads to easy goals for opponents. On the flip side, when the Sabres drive the puck into the offensive zone, there are often between two and three players on the opposing team there to meet them, forcing them to dump and race for the puck in the offensive zone.
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The Sabres need to see better positioning from their own defensemen and forwards, and failing to often leads to opponents dicing their way through them and setting up easy plays on offense, and remaining one step ahead. Until the Sabres find a way to slow down an opponent’s plays before they develop, they will continue to fall victim to bad positioning.
Article Source: Observations: It’s crazy eights for Sabres as Leafs hand Buffalo its latest loss by Mike Harrington
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