After having three days off before games, you’d think that a team would be well rested for their next game. Well, the Sabres didn’t look like they were fatigued, but I’d like to see a better result against a team like the Panthers.
I shouldn’t put the Panthers down, because they’ve been beating Buffalo very frequently over the last few years. Florida is now 8-0-1 over the last nine meetings and goaltender Roberto Luongo is 7-0 with four shutouts against Buffalo over the last three years.
Jaromir Jagr continues to put up points regardless of his age and he was the difference in this game with a pair of goals.
It was great to see Jake McCabe collect the first goal of his career, and Tyler Ennis got his first of the season.
The power play seemed to struggle after a game in which they scored three goals with the man advantage. Going 1-for-6 on the power play hurts a bit, especially when the game was only decided by one goal.
Rasmus Ristolainen has impressed me so far this team, leading the team in ice time. His play has been solid, and he is logging over 22 minutes per game.
Chad Johnson played another respectful game and he cannot be blamed at all for the 1-3 start to the season. He’s been a mediocre goaltender, but he hasn’t cost us any games. One of the Panthers’ goals was scored on a 5-on-3 and Jagr just ripped it home. Not much he could’ve done on that one.
With one win out of four games this season, I can safely say that Sabres hockey is already better to watch than it was last year. The team is entertaining to watch in comparison. I do want to see a little more offense, but that will come.
The Sabres have another tough test ahead on Saturday when they take on the Lightning for the second time this season.