Buffalo Sabres Losing Streak Reaches 15 Games

Sabres Lose 15th Straight Game

On Wednesday March 24, the Buffalo Sabres lost their 15th straight game. The loss came against the Pittsburg Penguins. The loss also leaves the Buffalo Sabres in soul possession of the longest losing streak in the shootout era. In addition to setting NHL records, the Sabres did so in all to familiar fashion, losing by a score of 5-2. Defensively the Sabres were nonexistent, leaving Dustin Tokarski out to dry as he faced 42 shots on goal. This was Tokarski’s first NHL start since the 2016 NHL season.

Aside from their poor defensive performance, the team continues to lack offensive production. It appeared that this was the teams ultimate goal, yet by attempting to create offense they seemed to forget about playing defense. Tokarski faced a handful of odd man opportunities within the first ten minutes of the game. However, even 37 saves was not enough to keep the Sabres hopes of winning alive.

Thursday Night vs. The Penguins

The Sabres are scheduled to take on the Pittsburg Penguins again on Thursday, March 25. After what can only be described as a horrible performance on Wednesday, the Sabres faces even more adversity after they lost their 15th straight game. Just several hours prior to puck drop, the team announced that recently appointed interim head coach Don Granato has been placed into Covid-19 protocol. In addition, Matt Ellis, the Sabres new assistant coach has been placed into Covid-19 protocol.

To fill the void, General Manager Kevyn Adams will be behind the bench for the matchup. At a point in time where the team cannot get much worse, this adds another interesting dynamic. Adams will have the opportunity to change things as he sees fit throughout the game. The positive side to this is that he will be able to get a feel for what the true issue with the Sabres is. The negative side is that he had no time prior to work on these adjustments.

Will The Sabres Ever Win Again?

As ridiculous as it may sound, the answer to this question remains up in the air. It is no question that the Sabres have been effected by injuries. Jack Eichel remains out of the line up with no return date. Starting goaltender Linus Ullmark also has yet to see action since his injury. The Sabres seem to be in a place with no hope. The team constantly plays carelessly with little to no visible effort. They allow high quality scoring chances on goaltenders that need help to begin with. It is rare that a sports franchise gets to this point with no sign of light at the end of the tunnel. Yet here the Buffalo Sabres are over half way through this shortened season with no sign of life. To go even further, the organization has no track record of properly developing young talent. It is almost as if they are choosing to waste opportunity at this point.

The teams next two contests are Thursday, March 25 against the Pittsburg Penguins and Saturday, March 27 against the Boston Bruins. Both squads remain undefeated against the Sabres so far this year. The Buffalo Sabres are officially a failed organization. All that can be done for the remainder of the season is to hope for a miracle.

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