Sabres Couldn’t Stop the Senators

Hey All,

Man, I was hoping to be able to write a blog about how the Sabres stopped the Sens in their tracks, both in their now 10 game winning streak, and 4th win when facing Buffalo this season.  It would’ve been a great win for the guys, not only to regain some momentum to get themselves out of the current slump, but because it’s Ottawa… and ever since the brawl after the hit on Chris Drury back on Feb 22, 2007 there has been a pretty healthy rivalry and some pretty spectacular play between both teams.  Actually, last night was record breaking….for the Senators.  They now have a franchise-high winning streak, matched their consecutive wins on the road at 6, and goalie Brian Elliot matched a record he set last year of 8 consecutive wins by stopping 36 of 38 shots.  It also brings them to within three points of the Sabres for the top spot in the Northeast.

Instead, last night was just plainly frustrating.  The Sabres seemed off to a great start in the first.  They were moving and keeping the pressure on Elliot, outshooting Ottawa 13-5.  But no matter what they did, they just couldn’t find the back of the net.  There was one play that could’ve been a game changer.  Jochen Hecht’s shot deflected over Elliot, and down his back during a scramble in front of the net, but Chris Phillips got his stick on the puck right as it bounced on the goal line.  I have to admit, watching from home, it looked like the puck crossed the line, but on review the no goal call held.  As it was reviewed it was announced that the high def camera over the Senators net was malfunctioning, so that was an angle those of us at home never got to see.  The officials were able to review the play though, from an analog camera.  Clarke MacArthur also had a beautiful shot a short bit later, but Elliot was able to stop him cold.

The Senators gained momentum in the second, and Jason Spezza got his first goal of two.  The Sens were also able to hold Buffalo to only 9 shots.   Then came the third.  After Spezza scored his second, the Sabres battled back and got two quick goals courtesy of Andrej Sekera and Tim Conolly.  It seemed to be the change up that the boys needed, but it wasn’t to be.  The rest of the period was a battle between the teams with Ryan Miller and Elliot doing everything in their power to keep their teams in it.  There were whole minutes that I’m pretty sure I didn’t take a breath with all the close calls and near misses.  Then  Daniel Alfredsson scored with a minute left in the third, and followed that up with an empty netter 37 seconds later.  It was a harsh loss.   In the post game interviews Lindy Ruff was quoted as saying “The best description is we just found another way to lose a game.”

Next up the Sabres face the Hurricanes at home.  This will be the first of two meetings this month for the team.   Both teams are coming off of losses but although the ‘Canes are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, they’re 5-5-0 in  their last 10.  Buffalo by comparison is 3-5-2.  After that they head to Columbus to take on the Blue Jackets on Saturday.  Patrick Kaleta will probably miss both due to the injury to his foot.  Ruff had the team focus on special teams at today’s practice.  He wouldn’t say if Steve Montador will be back in the line up for tomorrow’s game after being a healthy scratch against Ottawa.

Here’s hoping the Sabres can turn things around this weekend and get back on track before the break for the Olympics.

As always feel free to leave me comments or get at me on twitter @abecker15

All the best,

Becks