The Buffalo Sabres were one of the best teams in the league for over half the season but have struggled as of late. Over their last six games, they have gone 2-2-2, with the four losses all to teams currently in the playoffs. While not officially clinched, the Sabres are almost certain to be in the playoffs, and seeding is now the big focus.
After the Sabres lost to the Senators on Thursday, head coach Lindy Ruff made some comments that have been heard more recently, and it is something that could be a big concern. "They were better than us, simple as that. Their compete was better, they won more battles," Ruff said.
Over this recent run of games, the Sabres have been playing teams that played with much more desperation as they were fighting for their playoff lives. This includes teams like the Bruins, Red Wings, and Thursday's loss to the Senators. In each of those games, the Sabres' opponents won more puck battles and fought harder.
This quote is eerily similar to what Ruff had to say after the loss to the Bruins when he said, "They won more battles. I don't think it has anything to do with being sluggish. That has a lot to do with willpower to get over the puck and make sure you win your battle, and we didn't win enough of them."
Buffalo Sabres have six games left to show they are ready for the playoffs
This is not a good trend for the Sabres to take into the playoffs, where the intensity is undoubtedly higher. The margin of error is smaller, and the physicality is ratcheted up. They can't expect to go very far if they are not able to win more battles.
If there is a silver lining to take away is that there are still six games left in the regular season. This is not like the playoffs are starting tomorrow, but they need to fight for more pucks and win more of those battles to set the tone now going into the playoffs.
The Sabres have already shown at times this season that they can play at this level and play this style. It is not like this has been a season-long trend and maybe it is just a mindset thing, as they have gotten comfortable knowing they are almost certain to make the playoffs even if they haven't clinched yet.
Regardless of the reason, it is not something that they can let linger much longer as the playoffs get closer with each passing game. It wouldn't be surprising to see a much more physical team on Saturday against the Washington Capitals.