Sabres finish 2023 with a one-sided loss in Ottawa after an OT victory over Columbus
Sabres finish 2023 with a one-sided loss in Ottawa after an OT victory over Columbus
Struggling To Comeback
The Sabres continue to struggle with slow starts and did so once again on the weekend against the two worst records in the Eastern Conference. On Saturday, despite dominating at home against Columbus, the Blue Jackets scored the opening goal with 12 seconds left in the first period and after Jack Quinn’s tying goal, surrendered the lead in the middle frame on Adam Fantilli’s goal, before tying the game in the third and winning in OT on Jeff Skinner’s 15th goal of the season.
On New Year’s Eve, Buffalo fell behind 2-0 to Ottawa and the best they could do to respond was Tage Thompson’s goal late in the first. Ottawa pulled away in the second with two more goals in the second and an empty netter in the third for a 5-1 win.
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Buffalo managed to put up a high volume of shots against both the Blue Jackets and Sens, but that did not result in a proportionate number of goals. Daniil Tarasov was spectacular for Columbus and held the Sabres to two goals in regulation before Skinner’s game-winner, and Anton Forsberg stopped 45 of 46 shots on Sunday.
Split Under Seth
There was a fairly smooth transition with Don Granato ailing and missing both weekend games. Rochester coach Seth Appert was contacted by GM Kevyn Adams late Saturday morning while he was in preparation for the Amerks game against Utica and that the Sabres head coach was not feeling well.
Granato consulted with his staff and Appert via Facetime on Saturday and since both Rochester and Buffalo are essentially using the same tactics, there were not any issues.
It is expected that Granato will be back with the Sabres on Tuesday when they practice at Key Bank Center.
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