‘Too often, the Sabres appeared tentative when trying to defend. Forwards weren’t quick enough to close. Other teams were able to fire shots from the point to create chaos in front of the net. Buffalo ranked 30th in the NHL in shot attempts allowed per 60 minutes on the penalty kill, according to Evolving-Hockey. No team in the bottom 12 qualified for the playoffs. Only four teams allowed higher quality shots than the Sabres, who were also last in percent of shot attempts blocked.’