BUFFALO, N.Y. [WKBW] — On Tuesday the Buffalo Sabres saw their win streak snapped at three games, falling to the Ottawa Senators 7-4. The Senators erased a two-goal deficit in the first period by scoring four goals in less than four minutes to take a 4-2 lead into the second period.
5 Observations from Tuesday's loss:
What a mess
Things looked like they were going so well for the Sabres. In the first period, the visitors jumped out to an early 2-0 lead and controlled play for the first 10 minutes of the game. Then the Sabres had an epic collapse as they watched a 2-0 lead turn into a 4-2 deficit. What makes it even worse? All four Senators' first period goals came in a 3:33 span. While the Sabres scratched and clawed, they couldn't fight their way back after falling asleep at the end of the first period.
Hutton Struggles
Carter Hutton had been playing really well since Linus Ullmark was injured late last month. But on Tuesday Hutton struggled to see the puck and got beat early and often.
Sure, there were plenty of mistakes in front of him but Hutton could've been a lot better. It wouldn't be fair to place the blame squarely on his shoulders, yet it's hard not to be critical of the goaltending when the starter gets beaten six times.
Failed opportunity
With just three games for the Sabres this week, the Senators were certainly the easiest opponent on the schedule. The road team needed to leave Ottawa with a win but instead, for the third time this season, the Sabres failed to beat one of the worst teams in the NHL.
History Made
With his assist in the second period, Rasmus Dahlin made NHL history. By tallying his 80th point, Dahlin surpassed Ray Bourque with the second-most points in NHL history by a teenage defenseman. So maybe this Dahlin kid is the real deal, huh? For those who are curious, Phil Housley is the only teenage defenseman with more points than Dahlin.
Marvelous Montour
Brandon Montour had quite the game on Tuesday night, scoring twice and adding an assist. Entering the game, Montour had three goals on the season, so needless to say, it was an offensive outburst for the Sabres defenseman.
The standout performance comes less than a week before the NHL trade deadline. While Montour getting traded would be somewhat of a surprise, crazier things have happened. With the expansion draft lurking in the summer and plenty of contenders looking for help on the blue line, Montour would fetch a big haul if Jason Botterill decides to deal = the guy he traded for last year.
Don't get me wrong, I really like Montour's game and don't think he should be dealt unless the return is big. That said, this team needs a chance and everyone besides Eichel and Dahlin should be available.
