After winning six of their last seven games, the Sabres’ momentum was halted with back-to-back losses to the Canadiens over the weekend. This extends their losing streak to three games just days ahead of the Trade Deadline. While they remain 12 points out of a playoff spot, their inconsistency continues to be a concern. Here are three key takeaways from their losses to the Canadiens.
Sabres still can’t play a full 60 minutes
Not long ago, I pointed out that the Sabres’ struggles stem from their inability to play a full 60-minute game. Too often this season, one disastrous period has cost them, and that trend continued in their two losses against the Canadiens.
In the first game, they played well in the first and third periods but gave up three goals in the second—one on the power play and another with just three seconds left. They squandered a 2-1 lead and fell 4-2.
The following night, they had a nightmare start, surrendering three first-period goals—two on the power play and one shorthanded—leaving James Reimer out to dry and digging themselves into an early hole. Though they battled back to force overtime, they ultimately lost 4-3. While the Sabres have played better than their record suggests, their self-inflicted mistakes continue to hold them back.
Special Teams = More Problems
The Sabres’ discipline and special teams struggles were on full display in their two losses to the Canadiens. They took nine penalties, allowing three power-play goals, dropping their penalty kill to 21st in the league at 76.7% (6-for-9 against Montreal). Costly, avoidable penalties continue to hurt them at critical moments.
On the other side, their power play was equally frustrating, going 0-for-6 across both games. For a team that recently fell out of the top 10 in goals per game, it’s baffling that they rank among the league’s worst in power-play efficiency. Time and time again, they waste prime scoring chances—including giving up a shorthanded goal in the second game, turning a potential tying opportunity into a 2-0 deficit.
Oddly enough, the Sabres thrive at 5-on-5, ranking among the NHL’s best in even-strength goals—yet they sit dead last in the Eastern Conference. If any area needs major improvement, or even a coaching shake-up, a complete overhaul of their special teams strategy should be the top priority.
Their offense can turn any game around
After rallying with three third-period goals to force overtime against the Canadiens, the Sabres’ offense remains one of their biggest strengths this season. Encouragingly, they’ve built a strong offensive foundation for the future, and with their near top-10 scoring attack, they could be legitimate contenders in a few years.
However, they can’t keep putting themselves in situations where they need late-game heroics. Time and time again, this offense has proven how dangerous it can be—scoring seven against the Bruins and eight against the Rangers, dominating those games from the start. They’ve also put up five and four goals on the Avalanche twice, yet in both matchups, they squandered four-goal leads, highlighting a recurring issue: the defense continues to let them down.
Moving forward, the Sabres must capitalize on their offensive firepower to compensate for their bottom-five defense. While this season may be all but over, expect them to bounce back in a big way tonight against the Sharks.