GDT: Winnipeg Jets at Buffalo Sabres, 12/1/25, 7:30pm EST on MSG & ESPN+ 📺

[JohnC]

Just now, PerreaultForever said:

Well I've seen Winnipeg play this year and this version was slow and not really up to their usual standard. I do think they came in not ready to play. 

I'm not taking anything away from the Sabres though let's be clear. They were fast and they chased the puck in numbers. That is the core essence of what they have built and how they have to play. If they continue that and slowly add more physicality they eventually could be quite good. Lastingly good even, but I'm not shifting from cautious optimism just yet. 

When the Sabres pace is quick and they are swarming, they do well. (As you point out.) When they get sloppy with the puck and don't play with energy, they become a mediocre team. In a long season, you will have some flat games. But the key for success is skating with pace and effort on the defensive end. In the last few games, even in the Minnesota loss, I thought the energy and skating pace was good. 

[PerreaultForever]

2 minutes ago, JohnC said:

When the Sabres pace is quick and they are swarming, they do well. (As you point out.) When they get sloppy with the puck and don't play with energy, they become a mediocre team. In a long season, you will have some flat games. But the key for success is skating with pace and effort on the defensive end. In the last few games, even in the Minnesota loss, I thought the energy and skating pace was good. 

Minnesota loss? I think I watched a different game 😉

Yup, speed and pace, that's their forte. They have to not get sloppy or carried away doing it though absolutely. Maintain structure. What veteran leaders we have have to keep them in check if and when they swerve away from that. I hope there's enough of that now but I don't think there actually is. 

[JohnC]

4 minutes ago, PerreaultForever said:

Minnesota loss? I think I watched a different game 😉

Yup, speed and pace, that's their forte. They have to not get sloppy or carried away doing it though absolutely. Maintain structure. What veteran leaders we have have to keep them in check if and when they swerve away from that. I hope there's enough of that now but I don't think there actually is. 

I thought that Buffalo kept up with Minnesota. They had scoring chances but couldn't capitalize. At the end of the game, the Sabres forced it on offense that made them vulnerable on defense. From a skating and pace perspective, I thought they played the way they needed to.