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Archives for January 7, 2022

Observations: Sabres can’t overcome slow start without key players, fall to Sharks

‘A blend of too much practice time and not enough NHL difference-makers led to an ugly start for Buffalo against San Jose. Defenseman Ethan Prow, 29, who scored in his NHL debut last week, struggled playing his off side Thursday night. The Sabres had trouble breaking the puck out of their zone and, again, committed turnovers that led to opportunities for San Jose (18-16-1), which allowed 14 goals in its previous two games.’

Mike Harrington: A weird night for Sabres. Must have meant the Sharks were in town

‘The first period was a disappointing effort from this club, short roster or not. Bad puck decisions all over the place and no offensive jam against a San Jose team that had given up 14 goals in its previous two games. A 22-shot third period and a near-miss on a tying goal in the final seconds by Tage Thompson was obviously better, but it was borne out of desperation and the deficit, and the Sharks settling in to protect their lead.’

Sabres fall in early hole, lose to Sharks: ‘It was not good’

‘“It was not good,” said Sabres coach Don Granato, who sounded more agitated than he has all season. “We had some guys that made some mistakes that shouldn’t have been made. So I don’t want to fault the whole team for it. … The frustration you hear in my voice wasn’t the entire team. It was just some instances they were able to take advantage of.”‘

Sabres notes: Rasmus Dahlin responds to challenge of playing big minutes

‘Granato, as he has been recently with a light schedule and a slew of players sidelined, utilized Dahlin shift after shift, skating him a season-high 28 minutes, 47 seconds, the second-highest total of his career. It was the third straight game in which Dahlin has played more than 27 minutes.’

Opinion: Sabres had too little, too late against Sharks

‘Skinner’s second period goal was pretty much the only dangerous chance the Sabres created in the first 40 minutes as some of the things I was watching were concerning. First, players weren’t around the net making it easy for Hill. Second, I watched too many players turn off battles making things pretty easy on the Sharks. That’s the way this team used to play and it usually doesn’t under Granato. You can come in on the forecheck and do a drive-by past the defenseman.’