The Buffalo Sabres suffered another loss after struggling to keep up speed, and chances, in Saturday’s home game against the Los Angeles Kings. It was the Kings first win at KeyBank Center since 2003. Coming off an OT loss to the Ottawa Senators, the Sabres failed to execute plays in the first period, and were outshot 19-8 in the opening 20 minutes. The Kings came into the game just points shy of a playoff spot, and kept the heat on the Sabres throughout. Battling behind the net, the Kings easily produced chances against the seemingly outmatched Sabres. They were outplaying Buffalo in every way. “We prepare the same way we do every game,” he said. “I think it’s up to the individual to take the information that’s given to them and use it. But at the same time, you have to know that the LA Kings – and the position they’re in just on this road trip – you have to know they’re going to come with a push. “We weren’t prepared for that, so we have to just get better tomorrow, learn from it, show them and continue to try to work at it,” -Phil Housley. One of the lead players to capitalize on chances for the Kings was center Anze Kopitar. Third in the league in faceoff wins, and leading his team with 19 points on the power play, Kopitar continued to bring the heat with a pair of goals in the second period. Despite an increase in shots on goal in the second, an early-third period goal by Marco Scandella, and a final goal from Ristolainen, last-ditch efforts were not enough to close the gap, and the Kings won, 4-2. Lehner allowed four goals on 30 shots and was removed prior to the third period. Upon a question relating to Buffalo’s efforts during the game, Scandella offered words, stating: “They’ve had success daily…we just do it once in awhile. It’s extremely frustrating, and we need everyone on board.” This was the finale of the season series between the Kings and the Sabres. Buffalo will look to gain momentum as well as credibility as a club, against the Washington Capitals, Monday at 3 p.m.
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