The Buffalo Sabres couldn’t get it done against the Ottawa Senators and, in turn, saw their six game winning streak snapped in Sunday’s loss.
Every streak has to end, and for the Buffalo Sabres, it ended one day after pulling off a thriller against the Boston Bruins. The Sabres, however, shouldn’t hang their heads, as they capitalized on plenty of opportunities in Sunday’s loss to the Ottawa Senators. Goaltender Anton Forsberg simply refused to let anything by sans a breakaway goal from Zemgus Girgensons.
But Craig Anderson, once again, played lights out, despite the Blue and Gold failing to pick up the win. Anderson ended the night with a 0.938 save percentage, saving 30 of 32 shots on goal. It was yet another epic performance from the 41-year-old who has made a living this season putting up repeated solid outings in his twilight year.
Buffalo Sabres still have remarkable insurance in Craig Anderson
Given Anderson’s outstanding performances, the Sabres have a good problem with Eric Comrie reconditioning over in Rochester: They have three goaltenders capable of putting up solid performances in the NHL.
Of course, we already talked about Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and his recent string of stellar games, but Anderson continues to play as though he is 10 years younger than his chronological age. If he continues to play the way he did tonight, then the Sabres are going to keep winning a lot when their scorers don’t have off-games.
Tonight, the Blue and Gold just didn’t get it done. But it wasn’t on Anderson. In fact, it really even wasn’t on their scorers, so perhaps the off-game remark is misleading. The opposing goaltender just saved one more shot than Anderson. That said, I’m labeling it as one of those games and focusing on Washington, where the Sabres will complete their latest road trip.
Overall, it was yet another spectacular performance from Anderson. And as we approach midseason, it’s becoming clear that the 41-year-old still has a lot in the tank this year.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)
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