Buffalo Sabres smash the Predators thanks to a high-octane resurgence
By Sion Fawkes
Just two days ago, the Buffalo Sabres lost their third straight game, scoring five measly goals in those three contests. Tonight was a 180.
How did the Buffalo Sabres manage to put up five goals in tonight’s big win over the Nashville Predators after scoring just five over their previous three contests? In losses against the Philadelphia Flyers, Seattle Kraken, and Winnipeg Jets, the Sabres approach became too predictable.
This was something I stated following their loss to the Jets on Thursday. I also knew the Sabres had to switch something up. Tonight, they did just that, by finding their speed and outskating the Predators defense countless times, making life difficult for goaltender Juuse Saros, one of the best netminders in the league.
Buffalo Sabres high-octane ways return in win versus Predators
The Sabres also moved the puck better in this one, which kept the Predators on their heels all evening. I also noticed that the Blue and Gold played fearlessly, trying for longer, riskier passes, which also helped them get behind the Predators defense when they connected.
By playing a faster game and with reckless abandon on offense, the Sabres were far less predictable. In the previous contests, especially against Seattle and Winnipeg, they generated plenty of chances, but there was no real variation to their game.
Predictable was an understatement, and if you spent any time watching this team play all season, you probably knew exactly where the puck was going in their two previous outings. That wasn’t so much the case tonight, and the Sabres need to keep playing this way to inch closer to wild card contention.
Overall, it was a good game offensively for the Buffalo Sabres. But they need to go out there and play the same kind of game for their Monday matinee against the Florida Panthers. It’s one thing to come out offensively from a different angle for one evening, but they must exercise consistency here.
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Can the Sabres keep this up? We will find out in fewer than 48 hours. Until then, let’s enjoy yet another road win against yet another playoff-caliber team.
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