BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Jamie Benn scored the game's lone goal, capitalizing on a turnover from Zach Bogosian in the first period as the Dallas Stars blanked the Buffalo Sabres 1-0 on Wednesday night.
5 Observations from Wednesday's loss:
Was it a goal or was it not a goal?
At first, I didn't have a problem that Marco Scandella's "goal" was waived off due to goaltender interference. Then I watched the replay a few more times and started to think it should've been a good goal. Beaulieu is clearly pushed into Bishop, who sold the interference like Shane McMahon sells a stunner from Stone Cold. What?!?!
Scandella Goal (maybe)
— Ben Mathewson (@Ben_Mathewson) January 31, 2019
1-1 (maybe) pic.twitter.com/IwjnprRkQR
What I do know is this — the Sabres needed to generate more offensive pressure. For most of the game the Sabres were pinned in their own end and when they did move the puck down the ice they failed to generate high danger chances. In the final five minutes, the Sabres created some quality chances but it was too little too late. Sometimes the offense just isn’t there. We’re at the point when every game is important but splitting the road trip with seven straight coming up at home isn’t the worst outcome.
Power play still stinks
I feel like this next sentence deserves to be capitalized. THE SABRES HAVE ONE POWER PLAY GOAL ON THEIR LAST 25 ATTEMPTS. I'll save you the mental math -- that's an atrocious 4%. They only had one opportunity against the Stars but once again they didn't generate any chances or pressure. In a low-scoring game it would've been nice to see the power play step up and contribute but once again they failed. I don't know what the solution is but something needs to be done.
Domination
Ben Bishop owns the Sabres. With his win on Wednesday, Bishop improves to 11-0-1 against the Sabres during his career, which is ridiculous.
Don't get me wrong, he was sharp in his most recent battle with Buffalo but it never felt like the Sabres had a great scoring chance or opportunity to find the back of the net until the final few minutes. With another matchup against the Stars on March 12, I'd bet the Sabres are hoping he's not at the other end of the ice.
The Other Guy
Not to be outdone by the goaltender at the other end of the ice, Linus Ullmark was exceptional in the losing effort, turning away 26 of the 27 shots he faced. Ullmark allowed just one goal and it was dished out on a silver platter with an ugly turnover in the first period. With a lengthy break after the Sabres game on Friday against the Blackhawks, I'd like to see the Sabres give Ullmark the start when Chicago comes to town.
#BellLetsTalk
Forgive me, this isn't an observation from the matchup between the Sabres and Stars but an observation from my Twitter feed on Wednesday. With Bell once again donating 5¢ to mental health initiatives for every tweet using the hashtag #BellLetsTalk, it was awesome to see hockey fans and players alike spread the message.
As a man with multiple mental illnesses I stand here today being able to do what I love with a great family. I’m truly a happy man with a great support system. Great Psychiatrist and medicine and people to fall back on if I need to talk. Take the first step. #BellLetsTalk pic.twitter.com/yA2rqnkeVL
— Robin Lehner (@RobinLehner) January 31, 2019
What stood out the most, at least to me, were the remarks from current New York Islanders goaltender and former Sabre Robin Lehner. Last year he opened up to The Athletic about his issues with depression, anxiety, and drug abuse.
On Wednesday he used his platform and past experiences to try and help others with two different tweets. It's awesome to see he's doing well and I know Sabres fans feel the same way.
