The Buffalo Sabres knew they'd need some players lower in their lineup to provide a boost while they attempt to overcome a series of injuries. Instead, many players have been virtually invisible during the team's 0-3-0 start to the new season.
Buffalo's losing streak continued Monday with a 3-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche. Nathan MacKinnon scored twice for the Avs, while Cale Makar also lit the lamp for the Western Conference contenders. Scott Wedgewood made 28 saves on 29 shots to secure the win between the pipes.
Tage Thompson scored the Sabres' only goal. Alex Lyon continued to play well in the absence of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen with 34 saves on 37 shots, but it wasn't enough for the Blue and Gold.
Let's dive into our latest edition of the Sabres player grades series, which showcases how few players made their presence felt during the holiday matinee at the KeyBank Center in downtown Buffalo.
Buffalo Sabres player grades from the team's Oct. 13 loss to the Colorado Avalanche
Sabres grades
Player | Grade (1-10) |
|---|---|
Alex Lyon | 8.5 |
Tage Thompson | 7.5 |
Josh Doan | 7 |
Alex Tuch | 6 |
Rasmus Dahlin | 5 |
Ryan Johnson | 4.5 |
Beck Malenstyn | 4 |
Tyson Kozak | 4 |
Bowen Byram | 4 |
Josh Dunne | 3.5 |
Conor Timmins | 3 |
Jacob Bryson | 3 |
Owen Power | 3 |
Jiri Kulich | 2.5 |
Jack Quinn | 2 |
Jason Zucker | 2 |
Justin Danforth | 1.5 |
Ryan McLeod | 1.5 |
Peyton Krebs | 1 |
Buffalo Player of the Game: Tage Thompson
Thompson putting together a more complete all-around performance was a promising sign for the Sabres. He entered the season with a lot of pressure on his shoulders to pick up some of the offensive slack created by trading JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth.
The dynamic forward moved back to the middle of the ice, a switch necessitated by Josh Norris' injury, and he was far more involved as a result. He also held his own in the face off circle. His struggles in that area were one of the factors in head coach Lindy Ruff moving him to the wing.
He won't be able to carry the entire Buffalo offensive burden on his back, though. Some of the team's other forwards must start to make a far more significant impact in the attacking zone or this season could get ugly fast for the Blue and Gold.
One thing's for sure: Thompson didn't get nearly enough help on Monday.
Sabres quick hits
- Buffalo's power play is now 0 for 11 this season.
- Josh Doan continues to impress. He moved up to the first line and didn't look out of place alongside Thompson and Alex Tuch.
- Rasmus Dahlin made an unacceptable unforced error with a failed pass leading directly to the Avs' second goal.
- Owen Power's unwillingness to use his 6-foot-6 frame to create leverage in the defensive zone remains a concern.
- Another uninspiring performance from Jack Quinn.
- Ryan McLeod is struggling to build off his breakthrough 2024-25 campaign.
- The Sabres need to consider bringing up top prospects like Konsta Helenius, Noah Ostlund and Isak Rosen from the AHL's Rochester Americans to provide a spark offensively.
- Buffalo returns to the ice Wednesday night against the Atlantic Division rival Ottawa Senators as it continues to seek its first win of the season.