3 major reasons the Buffalo Sabres are getting consistent in December

The Buffalo Sabres beat the Arizona Coyotes last night in a game that they controlled for nearly all 60 minutes, a rare occurrence so far this season.

Just a few days ago, we discussed the fact that the Buffalo Sabres no longer had any excuses to give, and they had no choice but to start getting more consistent with their play. Now in their previous three contests, the Sabres have found some consistency in what has turned into a three-game points streak, with two of those being wins.

Last night, the Sabres beat the Arizona Coyotes in what was their fourth game in a row of logging 32 or more shots on goal. But finding and capitalizing on more scoring opportunities is just one of a few reasons the Blue and Gold have been more consistent in recent games, so let’s check out some other reasons why this has been the case lately.

How the Buffalo Sabres are finally gaining consistency in December 2023

1 – Playing simpler hockey

For one, the Sabres are taking a simpler approach, and the attempts for highlight-reel plays are dwindling with every passing game recently. It’s like the Blue and Gold had everything backward, believing their sheer skill would give them the same results that it did last season, only to learn the hard way that opponents catch on and will game plan for such play. Head coach Don Granato had something to say about this following last night’s win:

"“We’re starting to play a more direct, competitive game as a group. Which makes everybody’s job easier, everybody’s life easier. If we can  commit to playing that way, skill will follow. If you think you can ‘skill’ first, you’ll have a very frustrating time as we’ve had.”"

Source: Observations: Kyle Okposo, Eric Robinson earn their wings as Sabres roll past Arizona by Mike Harrington, Buffalo News

2 – Others continue to step up

Last night, the Buffalo Sabres scored five goals, and three of those scores came from Eric Robinson, Peyton Krebs, and Kyle Okposo. Krebs and Okposo had a rough time getting going from a scoring standpoint this season, and Robinson has only appeared in three contests and is still getting acclimated. But with them involved in scoring, it means the Sabres don’t need to rely solely on their top scorers every game.

Connor Clifton was stepping up before last night, but he recorded another pair of assists and a plus-2 rating, notching helpers on Kyle Okposo’s and Eric Robinson’s goals. If he and others not necessarily known for their scoring continue to step up, the Sabres will once again boast a well-rounded scoring unit with four lines that will put the puck in the net.

3 – Consistent goaltending

The last time Devon Levi started three games in a row, things didn’t turn out so well. He finished 1-2-0 in that stretch, and saved 75 out of 84 shots on goal, good for just a 0.892 save percentage, and a GAA of 3.00. In his previous three games, Levi has a 0.942 save percentage and a 1.62 GAA, having saved 81 of 86 shots on goal.

It’s clear Levi has improved, and if Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen or Eric Comrie follow suit, opponents will have a tough time scoring on the Buffalo Sabres. But, the goaltenders can’t do this alone as the Blue and Gold must also play sound defense game in and game out.

(Statistics and information provided by Hockey-Reference and QuantHockey)