You probably didn’t need to tune into the Sabres game today to know what the outcome was gonna look like. Once again, the Sabres thought they’d get back on track, and for what is now the 24th time this season, they were wrong.
In fact, the Sabres did what they’re best at, and that involves allowing some random player who barely gets any glory to get one by their netminder for a rare goal. The player in question? None other than former Sabres winger John Hayden.
Do you remember when Hayden even suited up for the Sabres? He came over for a year during the 2021-22 season and played in 55 games. He scored two goals that season and logged four points, along with 104 hits, 24 blocks, and 10:51 of average total ice time. Oh, and before I forget, Hayden also gave us 84 penalty minutes.
Overall, he played what many would dub an enforcer role with Buffalo, before he moved on to the Kraken. Or, better yet, the Kraken’s organization, and this is where the entire ‘letting a random player score’ quip comes in.
Former Sabres winger John Hayden hadn’t scored in over a year
Since joining the Kraken, Hayden had seen ice time in just 14 games between 2022-23 and today. He’s got three goals in that span, with two of them coming in 2022-23. To date, he has yet to even log an assist with Seattle, so it’s safe to affirm that his points-producing output is a rarity.
But this is nothing new to the Sabres, who either allow AHL-caliber talent score on them at will, opposing goaltenders enjoy career outings, or players who’ve yet to score a goal snag one. So, it doesn’t surprise me that Hayden found a way to put one past Devon Levi en route to finding twine.
This is the part of the show when I’d love to say something like, “and now, it’s pack ‘em up and onto,” but really, does it matter? Listen, unless the Sabres somehow embark on a 13-game winning streak, this season is over. Finished. So, let’s take a moment to thank fate that at least the Buffalo Bills will play for the Lamar Hunt Trophy this Sunday, which gives fans something to look forward to.
Because right now, the Sabres can only look to their cousins in Orchard Park and at least feel inspired. One day, this team will figure out how to win and how to stop fringe players from taking advantage of them. But one thing is certain: It didn’t happen today.