Kevyn Adams pinpoints Buffalo Sabres issues but that’s half the battle

TEMPE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 16: Alex Tuch #89 of the Buffalo Sabres skates with the puck against Liam O'Brien #38 of the Arizona Coyotes during the second period at Mullett Arena on December 16, 2023 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Zac BonDurant/Getty Images)
TEMPE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 16: Alex Tuch #89 of the Buffalo Sabres skates with the puck against Liam O'Brien #38 of the Arizona Coyotes during the second period at Mullett Arena on December 16, 2023 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Zac BonDurant/Getty Images)

The Buffalo Sabres are having some major issues, but general manager Kevyn Adams is pinpointing where those issues are lurking.

The Buffalo Sabres have been playing through a plethora of issues since their 5-1 loss to the New York Rangers on opening night. The frustrating part? We know how well the Blue and Gold can play tough teams, as they also beat the Rangers on the road, along with the Colorado Avalanche, the Boston Bruins, and the Vegas Golden Knights.

While it shows the Sabres are playing up (or down) to their competition, it’s not the only issue facing this team if you ask general manager Kevyn Adams. And no, it’s not ownership, not head coach Don Granato, and it’s not even the so-called lack of making roster moves. Here is what jumped out when Adams recently spoke on the subject:

"“The players are absolutely listening and paying attention. It’s just that our concentration, our focus, hasn’t been sharp enough. We’ve had losses that I don’t think we should have had. And that’s more of a focus mentality, something we have to be better with.”"

Source: Mike Harrington: Sabres GM Kevyn Adams feels the same pain in the standings that fans feel, Buffalo News

Kevyn Adams pinpoints another factor regarding the Buffalo Sabres stagnation

It’s great to see Adams pinpointing yet another problem regarding this hockey team, but sooner than later, the Sabres need to identify this lack of focus as a unit. They will continue to play at or as is currently the case, below 0.500 hockey until they take a good, hard look at themselves.

The first part of Adams’ quote is especially interesting, as it does show that head coach Don Granato still has the locker room. If that wasn’t the case, Adams would know and he would take the necessary steps to address the issue.

Tonight, the Buffalo Sabres have yet another chance to rediscover that focus when they faceoff with arguably the Eastern Conference’s worst team in the Columbus Blue Jackets. The season hasn’t even hit its halfway point yet, so the Sabres don’t need to enter panic mode just yet. However, they must know their respective drawbacks and start addressing them quickly.