Sabres Take Three Points Against Rangers
After a record breaking 18 game losing streak, the Buffalo Sabres has captured five points in their last three games. Following their streak breaking win against Philadelphia, the Sabres faced off against the New York Rangers in back to back contests. The first matchup, Thursday, April 1, ended in an overtime win for the Rangers. Although the team was unable to win, the point obtained in overtime was a much needed moral victory. The two teams faced off again on Saturday, April 3, where the Sabres won 3-2 in a shootout.
The Sabres continued in the right direction, playing in yet another competitive hockey game. The Rangers kicked off the scoring halfway through the first period with a goal from star forward Artemi Panarin. This lead was short lived as the Sabres answered back with a goal courtesy of Casey Mittelstadt just three minutes later. Panarin would find the scoresheet again in the second period, followed by third period goal by Victor Olofsson to tie the contest. Tage Thompson would then go on to be the shootout hero, scoring the only goal in the shootout.
Player Development To Be The Focus For Remaining Games
At this point in the season, the Sabres have slim chances of finding their way into a playoff race. Because of this, a lot of young prospects are expected to get introduced to the NHL. Although the Sabres have been playing significantly better as of late, player development is essential for the organization going forward. Interim Head Coach Don Granato has said that some of the teams young stars will get a chance to show their talent at the next level as the team plays through April.
Aside from the fact that the team has no playoff hopes, some young stars may receive playing time due to both trade and injury. Even with five points in three games, the Sabres will be looking to deal assets come trade deadline time. Names like Taylor Hall and Brandon Montour have been highlighted in trade rumors. Furthermore, the Sabres still have many key players out of the line up due to injury. Most notable are the likes of Jack Eichel, Jake McCabe, and Dylan Cozens. With their return times unknown, expect to see young prospects get their first opportunity to play with the big club.
Buffalo Sabres Prepare for New Jersey
With the Sabres playing better as of late, the team is preparing for their next contest against the New Jersey Devils. In comparison to most other teams in the East Division, the Sabres have had some success this season against the Devils. The two teams are 3-3 against each other this season. In addition, prior to Buffalo’s 18 game losing streak, their most recent win was against the Devils.
The Devils remain in interesting match up for the Sabres this season for several reasons. The first being the both teams sit at the bottom of the East Division. The second being that the current head coach for New Jersey is the legendary Lindy Ruff. Ruff was the head coach of the Sabres during their most recent glory days throughout the 2000’s. Ruff spent 16 seasons in Buffalo and was beloved by the city. Buffalo’s game against New Jersey is scheduled for Tuesday, April 6 at 7pm.
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