The Buffalo Sabres snapped an eight-game losing streak and an opponent’s seven-game winning streak. Now, they can snap another streak.
Tonight, the Buffalo Sabres square off against the New Jersey Devils, a team that just saw its 13-game winning streak snapped. The Devils were so impressive, they also won 16 of their last 18 games, and they are still riding an eight-game winning streak on the road.
This gives the Sabres a chance to wreak even more havoc and end a third streak in as many games, perhaps even in blowout fashion. But this game, unfortunately, will be much tougher than the previous two.
Don’t expect the Devils to underestimate the Sabres the same way the Blues did. But you can also expect the Sabres, overall, to play better hockey, now that they are starting to forge an identity. One that is quick and all-out offense, considering their combined score of 27-10 in their previous four wins.
The Buffalo Sabres can snap another impressive streak tonight
Momentum and a presence of the home crowd are two reasons the Sabres can snap this streak tonight. They are also discovering what works for them, and that is a strategy that relies on positioning, outpacing opponents, and taking smart shots.
When they abandoned this approach earlier in the month, they were an all-out disaster and their offense, sans Tage Thompson, failed to show. Two nights ago, the Sabres showed they didn’t need to rely on Tage’s powerful shot every time they skated onto the ice, as the budding star center recorded zero points in the 6-2 win. Ditto for Rasmus Dahlin.
And that is a breath of fresh air for many fans, as the likes of J.J. Peterka, Jack Quinn, Dylan Cozens, and Vinnie Hinostroza, among others, got going. It showed us the Sabres do have more players who can score in this league than many think, and it’s something that will become more apparent as this team gains more experience.
You just might see it tonight. If you do, expect the Sabres to at least take this one to the wire. Perhaps even the overtime wire.
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