This is not what Buffalo Sabres fans had in mind after a nice three game winning streak last month. Since, the Sabres are 1-3-2 after falling to the New Jersey Devils for the second night in a row, this time 4-2. Observations from Saturday's game:
Sabres still can't score
In their last six games Buffalo has seven goals. That's not going to cut it, regardless of how rock solid the Sabres goaltending has been. Saturday Lehner let in four including a few he'd like back -- but only two goals? The Sabres haven't scored more than two goals in a game since they scored three on October 29 against the Panthers. Don't get me wrong -- I understand the Sabres are playing without Eichel and O'Reilly (at least for tonight) and just got Evander Kane back, but they need to figure this out soon. If they don't, they could really start slipping in the standings. You can't win a cup in November, but you can certainly make it nearly impossible to get there with four game losing streaks like this one.
Matty Moulson continues to impress
It's only November 12 and Matt Moulson only has two goals less (six) than he did last season (eight). Saturday he scored his first even strength goal of the year in the third period, and now leads the Sabres in scoring. It's nice to see Moulson bounce back after such a down year last season, especially with the injuries the Sabres have suffered early on. If Moulson can finish with around 20 goals you'd imagine the Sabres would be thrilled -- especially after last year.
Young guys proving worth
I've really been impressed with guys like Baptiste, Carrier and Grant these last few days. It makes you wonder if Nicolas Deslauriers will see the lineup again anytime soon. Baptiste is showing that he's got NHL speed and can make plays happen with his quickness. Carrier, who picked up his first career point on Saturday, is a good two-way player who can contribute at both ends of the ice. Grant is dominant at the face off circle, and while he hasn't found the back of the net yet this season, he's starting to get chances. He'll get one soon.
Lehner is allowed to have a bad game
Robin Lehner let in four goals in Saturday's loss, but before you get mad at him, remember how solid he's been all season. Lehner stopped 23 of the 27 shots he faced -- but still has very impressive numbers. If it wasn't for Lehner and Nilsson the Sabres would be struggling even more than they already are.
Taylor Hall is good
I know most of us already knew this but man, Taylor Hall is good. During the Sabres and Devils home and home Hall has been all over the ice making plays. He's a dynamic player who Sabres fans will now see more often playing in the Eastern Conference. The Devils still aren't
the most exciting team by any means, but next time the Sabres play the Devils (February 9) keep an eye on Hall.
