Buffalo N.Y. (WGR 550) - After a rough start coming out of the NHL All-Star break, the Buffalo Sabres finally got back on track with a 7-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday night.
Despite getting the win and snapping a four-game losing streak, the Sabres struggled over a short stretch in the second period where they gave up three-straight goals, giving up a 2-0 lead. However, they responded quickly and ended up with five unanswered goals.
With the win, Buffalo now sits only four points back of the Washington Capitals for the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.
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Sabres head coach Don Granato wants to use how the team responded to adversity on Wednesday as an example of how figuring out these type of situations will make them better in the long run.
“You got to look at all the situations and figure out how to get better, how they can make you better, knowing you’re never going to dominate 60 minutes of the game,” said Granato during his weekly appearance on the "Howard and Jeremy Show" on WGR.
There has been some altering of the lines and defensive pairings over the past couple games for the Sabres. Granato is using it to put any frustration on him.
“I shifted everything around knowing that once we hit rhythm, we can get back to more familiarity, and guys won’t be so mad with each other,” Granato explained.
Meanwhile, the Sabres continue to utilizing all three goaltenders on their roster with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Craig Anderson and Eric Comrie getting rotated in. While it has been a difficult process for Granato to get them in action, he says all three of them have a great respect for the organization.
“We can’t give them enough ice time to be fully satisfied, but I think the respect factor is there. These guys work everyday, and they want to see each other be successful,” Granato said.
The Sabres get back to action on Saturday night, as they finish up their California trip against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center. Faceoff on Saturday is set for 10:30 p.m. EST.
Hear more from Granato’s appearance during the “Howard and Jeremy Show” available in the player below:
