Three Takeaways From The Buffalo Sabres 3-2 Loss To The Winnipeg Jets
The Buffalo Sabres concerns about scoring goals in the absence of center Tage Thompson may have grown after a 3-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Friday. The Sabres struggled to generate offensive opportunities in the first and second period on Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, and only really pressed the attack when desperation set in, down two goals entering the third period.
After a scoreless first, the Jets took a 2-0 lead with goals from Cole Perfetti and Mason Appleton in quick succession, but Buffalo responded 23 seconds after Appleton’s goal as Alex Tuch scored his fifth goal of the season. Nikolaj Ehlers scored the eventual game-winner midway through the middle frame, throwing the puck towards a partially screened Eric Comrie from long range and beating the Sabres goalie. J-J Peterka scored on a breakaway early in the third to cut the lead to 3-2, and Buffalo fired 12 shots at Hellebuyck in the final frame, but they were unable to beat the former Vezina winner.
The Sabres fall to 7-9-1 on the season and will take on Chicago at the United Center on Sunday.
Here are three takeaways from Buffalo’s 3-2 loss to Winnipeg:
Where Has The Offense Gone?
From the outset of training camp, more responsibility on defense has been preached by Sabres head coach Don Granato, and through 17 games, the club has seen their goals-per-game average drop from 3.65 to 3.24. The problem is that Buffalo has also seen a corresponding drop in their offensive production drop at the same time.
Last season, the Sabres scored 296 goals or 3.61 goals per game, but this season they have just 48 goals in 17 games or 2.82 goals per game. Injuries have contributed to this, as it has forced Granato to mix up his line combinations, but it also may be that players are challenged in expending as much energy defending as they do creating chances.
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Powerless Play
Especially with their struggles scoring at even strength, it is more important than ever for the Sabres to score on the power play, but that will be where they miss Thompson the most, as he led them with 20 goals with the man advantage last season. Buffalo went 0-2 against the Jets, with Peterka replacing Thompson on the top unit and rookie Zach Benson taking his place on the second squad.
Trailing At Thanksgiving
Statistically, clubs in a playoff spot at American Thanksgiving (this upcoming Thursday) have a 75% chance of finishing in the top eight at the end of the season. Currently, the Sabres are only three points out of an Eastern Conference wildcard spot, but they are 11 points in back of Boston, eight points behind Florida, and five points in back of Toronto for the top three spots in the Atlantic.
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