Based on the standings last season. the San Jose Sharks had the worst record in the NHL. They were 20-50-12 with 52 points throughout the entire year. The Sabres, who at the moment are on an historic playoff drought, fared slightly better with 79 points.
The Sabres split both games against San Jose a year ago. They won the first game in November but lost in March against the Sharks. Both games can represent what the Sabres can continue to do and improve on for next season.
On November 24, the Sabres beat the Sharks 4-2. Alex Tuch had a shorthanded goal and backup goalie James Reimer had 31 saves in the victory. Tuch was an offensive firepower a season ago and represented a player the organization should build upon.
Reimer was a strong backup goalie a season ago. However, he is a free agent and more than likely will have a new home next season. They need a new backup, especially with Ukko Pekka Luukkonen, who struggled as the starter and may be need a new backup.
Peyton Krebs also scored in the win over San Jose. Krebs who was on the trading block last year, stepped up for Buffalo last year with 28 points for the season.
The Sabres lost to the Sharks 6-2 on March 4.
The loss to San Jose represents how much the team needs to improve if they wish to become an elite playoff team. Luukkonen had only 22 saves and allowed four in the third period. It was an epic third period collapse.
Head coach Lindy Ruff spoke of the loss to reporters. “Too many passengers,” Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff said. “They won the compete, they won the puck-play game. Our puck play was awful. Just too many guys took the night off.”
Taking the night off, is not something you would want to hear from a team looking to break into the postseason for the first time in over 15 years. It speaks to how the Sabres seem to take one step forward and two steps back.
For example, JJ Peterka tied the score off a right sided shot from a Rasmus Dahlin pass on a powerplay in the loss. Then the third period happened. It was nonstop by San Jose and the route was on.
Now as the Sabres look to the future, looking at the tape of two games may help them regain their form. Ruff could use the victory over San Jose as a way to show what they can do. He also can look at the loss and show them exactly what they shouldn't do to win in the future.