It is only two games into the season, but it seems like the Buffalo Sabres are already grappling with problems they don't know how to solve. It was another lackluster performance by the team, where they came out flat in the first period against the Boston Bruins. They played better in the second period, but at that point the Bruins already had a 1-0 lead and were able to add to it with a weird goal that bounced off Connor Timmins to sneak by Alex Lyon
The game remained within reach and Jason Zucker would score a goal in the third period that made it a one-goal game. However, it never felt like the Buffalo Sabres were able to put pressure on the Bruins and an empty net goal in the closing seconds made it a final score of 3-1.
After the game, Lindy Ruff looked dejected and didn't really hold back when he said, "it was the worst compete. Compete, and skating that I have seen."
Lindy Ruff is specifically looking to his best players to step up for the Buffalo Sabres
After the game, he was asked the question about whether his best players need to be your best players. "On any team, your best players have to be your best players, and it wasn't a good night for them", Ruff said.
While the Sabres coach didn't specifically mention any players, fans would probably look to Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson, and Alex Tuch as players who would fall into that category. According to Natural Stat Trick, Tage Thompson had the second-best ixG for the Sabres against the Bruins, but it was only 0.33, while Alex Tuch finished at 0.07, and Rasmus Dahlin was 0.03
It is still early in the season but these three players collectively have had zero points. For a team that has been decimated by injuries, these are the moments they need their stars to step up and lead by example.
The challenge is that it is not going to get any easier for this group as they have to play the Colorado Avalanche on Monday, followed by the Edmonton Oilers, and then the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
The pressure will be on these best players, who certainly have the talent to take over a game, to get this franchise back on track and towards their goal of competing for a playoff spot.