The Buffalo Sabres are on an eight-game losing streak. While Buffalo wanted to change that, it unfortunately wasn't the case. Still, the Sabres can consider themselves lucky. What do I mean by that? Buffalo is still within striking distance out of a playoff spot following last night's matchup against the Rangers.
Other Eastern Conference contenders are just like Buffalo
Despite the Sabres being on this lengthy losing streak, they are still in the thick of things regarding to the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Just like Buffalo and New York, other playoff hopefuls are not pulling away. After the first three spots in each division, it's anything goes.
Now I'm not defending Buffalo because losing eight games in a row is inexcusable. However, it is pretty remarkable with how bad things have been lately that the Sabres are still just a few points out of playoff spot.
The time for winning is NOW
With that being said, Buffalo needs to get back to their winning ways and it needs to happen now. Just a couple of weeks ago, the team was in a playoff spot after sweeping the California road trip which is not an easy thing to do. The Sabres are on a losing skid but the Rangers were also trying to find their way as they have been struggling.
This was the final game of Buffalo's home stand before they head out on the road for a three-game road trip.
Why have the Sabres been struggling?
The biggest reason why Buffalo is on this losing streak is because they simply cannot keep a lead. It has happened twice in December as they lost to Colorado despite having a 4-0 lead and in their most recent loss to the Detroit Red Wings where they had a 5-3 lead in the third period.
Head coach Lindy Ruff has to be far from pleased but last night would have been a great time to end the streak before Buffalo starts the road trip against the Washington Capitals.