After winning six of seven games, the hot streak the Sabres were on came to an end as they lost back-back games to the Canadiens over the weekend. This puts them back on a three-game losing streak just days before the Trade Deadline. The Sabres still sit just 12 points back of a playoff spot, but they continue to play inconsistent hockey. Here are three takeaways from their losses against the Canadiens.
Sabres still can't play a full 60 minutes
Not too long ago, I mentioned that the Sabres's struggles came around them not playing a full game of hockey. In many games this season, it has been one period that has decimated the Sabres in every game. In these two games against the Habs, nothing changed. In the first game, they played a great 1st and 3rd period but allowed three goals in the second period. One on the powerplay, and one with three seconds left in the period. The Sabres went on to squander a 2-1 lead in the second period and lost 4-2. Last night, the Sabres had the worst first period imaginable, giving up three first-period goals, two on the powerplay, and one shorthanded. They hung James Reimer out to dry and put themselves at a massive deficit just 20 minutes into the game. The Sabres would come back to tie the game late, but ultimately lose 4-3 in overtime. The Sabres have played a lot better than what their record shows, but the self-inflicted mistakes continue to tear down this team.
Special Teams = More Problems
The Sabres gave up nine penalties in their two games against the Habs, giving up three powerplay goals in the process. Their penalty kill now ranks 21st in the league at 76.7%, as they were 6/9 against the Habs on the PK. They continue to take bad penalties which come back to bite them later on. It gets better though, the Sabres powerplay unit had six opportunities in these two games, and you guessed it, they went 0/6. For a team that just dropped out of the top 10 in goals per game, it blows my mind to see that they are in the bottom five in power play percentage. Game after game they seem to squander opportunities, and make it harder on themselves. Including giving up a shorthanded goal in the first period of the second game to go down 2-0 instead of tying it up. It seems the Sabres are almost better off playing 5-on-5 the entire game, as they are a top team in the NHL in 5-on-5 goals. Which you wouldn't believe considering they are in last place in the Eastern Conference. If there is a need for any improvement or a coaching change, a new special teams strategy needs to be implemented.
Their offense can turn any game around
After the Sabres scored three in the third period to force overtime last night against the Habs, their offense continues to be one of their bright spots this season. What is great to see is the Sabres have put together a great offensive plan for years to come, as their close-to-top-10 offense could lead them to be a contender in a few years. However, they have to stop putting themselves in these positions to have to make these comebacks, but we have seen time and time again this Sabres offense is lethal. Seven goals on the Bruins, and eight on the Rangers are some of the more notable games as of late where the Sabres have taken out their opponent in the first period. They also scored five and four on the Avalanche twice but blew four-goal leads in both of those games. Two games I reflect on a lot this season, where the offense has performed well, but the defense has continued to let them down. Moving forward the Sabres need to take advantage of their offense chances to make up for their bottom-five defense. This season may be wrapped up, but look for the Sabres to have a big bounce-back tonight against the Sharks.