Losing streak hits 5

Recap

The Sabres keep finding ways to lose games. Phil Housley and the Sabres were embarrassed after having just 10 shots on goal after two periods against the Detroit Red Wings on Friday night, but they weren’t much better on Saturday.

Justin Falk mishandled the puck and Sebastian Aho made him pay, beating Chad Johnson late in the third for what turned out to be the game-winning goal as Buffalo fell, 3-1, to Carolina at the KeyBank Center.

“It was 1-1 late, we did battle back, but we made a mistake, and it’s in the back of our net. When we get our chances, we’ve got to score.” – Phil Housley

Evander Kane had turned the momentum in Buffalo’s favor earlier in the third period, tallying his 11th goal of the season. 10 seconds later, Kane was at it again, jamming home a rebound. However, the call was reversed as it was ruled there was a distinct kicking motion. 

The Sabres struggled to generate offense, and played a slow-moving game against Carolina as they dropped their fifth consecutive game.

It took the Sabres nearly 18 minutes to register their first shot on goal, and sarcastic cheers cascaded from the fans.

“To get more shots, we just got to get them through, they blocked a lot of shots, we have to shoot pucks from everywhere, we’ve got to have that mindset.” – Housley

Justin Williams opened the scoring with his third goal of the season, beating Chad Johnson late in the second period. 

Johnson had a solid night in goal, stopping 30 of 32 shots, but when the team only musters a goal, it’s difficult to win these kinds of games. 

“One bad bounce, thats the difference in the game right now, we need to push forward, correct things and try to be better. It’s about winning, you have to win or someone else will or changes will happen.” – Johnson

In their last seven games, the Sabres have scored one goal in five of them.

On a positive note, the Sabres penalty kill on home ice has been perfect all season long. They managed to kill off a two-man advantage for 1:17 in the first, and are 25-for-25 this year on home ice.

The Sabres will continue their homestand on Monday when they host the Columbus Blue Jackets. That game is schedule for a 7 p.m. puck drop.

Scoring

Penalties

Kevin Freiheit
Kevin Freiheit
I founded Buffalo Hockey Central in 2008 and have poured hours and hours into this site. Luckily, we have a great team of writers and designers who have helped keep this up and running despite a ton of out-of-pocket costs. We do this because we enjoy it, and we're desperate to see the Sabres win the Cup someday, but they have to make the playoffs first.
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