The Buffalo Sabres saw their 10-game win streak end in deflating fashion as they lost 5-1 to the Columbus Blue Jackets. It raised concerns about how the Sabres would respond, as they have in the past gone on extended losing streaks after long win streaks like the one they just had.
Buffalo quickly silenced those doubts. By taking three straight games and 13 of their last 14, the Sabres have firmly cemented their status as playoff contenders. On the surface, they have done so in a pretty impressive fashion, outscoring their opponents 15-8.
However, there has been one big concerning trend from these three games that the Sabres need to address, as it is something that could cost them down the stretch.
Third periods are more stressful than they should be during this three-game win streak for the Buffalo Sabres
Over the first two periods of the past three games, the Buffalo Sabres have been almost unstoppable and have out-scored their opponents 8-1 and have taken at least a two-goal lead into the final period in each game. They have needed every one of those goals because in each game, the opposing team has been able to make it much closer than it should be.
When combining the scoring in the third period during this win streak, the Sabres have been out-scored 8-7. However, they have scored an empty net goal in each of those games, so they really have been out-scored 8-4 when the opposing team has a goalie on the ice.
Even with the struggles, the Sabres have not allowed the other team to tie the game in this final period, and that has been a significant reason for them to have a chance at an empty-net goal in each game. However, they haven't necessarily played the best competition during this stretch either, as the Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers are at the bottom of their respective conferences, and the Anaheim Ducks entered the game on an eight-game losing streak.
Buffalo Sabres can't afford to let this trend continue with key games ahead
The next five games are going to be tough for the Buffalo Sabres and against some of the top teams in the league. The Florida Panthers, who they play Monday night, and Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night could have serious playoff implications as these teams are competing for a Wild Card spot currently.
After that, the Sabres have a three game stretch that includes the Montreal Canadiens, then the Minnesota Wild team that is tied for second in the NHL with 61 points. They wrap up this stretch of games against the Carolina Hurricanes, who are only two points behind the Wild.
Each of these last three teams are in the Top 6 in the league in goals scored in the third period, with the Canadiens fifth at 54 and the Hurricanes and Panthers tied at 53. No matter what the lead is, the Buffalo Sabres can't feel comfortable, or let up in that final period, or they could easily see this win streak come to an end
The good news is that the Buffalo Sabres continue to win, even with the struggles in the third period. This stretch will be a great test for them, but they need to find a way to limit the scoring of the opposing team in that final period to keep the win streak alive.