Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Sabres returned to the ice after a much-needed nine-day break for the NHL All-Star game, but the team ran into some issues trying to get things rolling again.
Buffalo played four games since Saturday, Feb. 11, and posted a record of 2-2 in that span. The wins came over the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks, while the losses came to the Calgary Flames and Los Angeles Kings.
Despite the lack-luster start to the week, the Sabres still remain in a tight playoff race in the Eastern Conference.
As of Monday morning, Buffalo sits three points out of both Wild Card spots with 60 points. The Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders both control the two available Wild Card spots.
Here are three observations from the past week of Sabres hockey:
1.) Wake up call
The Sabres played 13 games in just 22 days prior to their nine-day break, so the time off was a good period to catch a breather. However, this break came with some consequences, as well.
In their first game back against the Flames, the Sabres recorded two quick goals early on, but then surrendered seven-straight goals and lost 7-2. The offensive drought continued against the Kings, where the team gave up five-consecutive goals before losing 5-2.
These games were very important for the Sabres' chances to make the playoffs, but they did appear to be a motivator for the team. Buffalo went on to win the next two games, scoring seven goals in one and four in the other.
2.) Special teams woes
The Sabres' struggles continue on the power play over this past week by scoring on only three of their 14 chances in four games.
Buffalo remains a top-10 power play unit in the league with a 25% conversion rate, but they have lacked creativity as of late. A man advantage chance can usually be used to turn the tide of the game, but the Sabres haven't been getting enough offensive pressure to convert on more chances.
The team needs to start fresh on their power play schemes, and maybe mix up the two units to try and find a new offensive advantage that can help them convert more of their chances.
3.) Controlling their fate
The playoff race in the Eastern Conference is extremely close this year, but one major advantage the Sabres have is their games at-hand. This means the team has played less games than other teams ahead of them in the standings.
As of Monday morning, Buffalo has played only 54 games this season, whereas the Islanders have played 59 games. They also have similar advantages over the Florida Panthers (59 GP) and the Washington Capitals (58 GP).
While it's good when those teams lose, the Sabres can control their own fate by continuing to win a number of the remaining games they have.
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Game of the week: Saturday, Feb. 8 - 4-2 win at San Jose Sharks
The Sabres closed out a short three-game California road trip with an important win over the Sharks at SAP Center. The game was pretty even throughout with a goal for each team in the first two periods to keep things interesting.
The Sabres had a big chance in the opening two minutes of the third period where Peyton Krebs had a penalty shot opportunity, but was unable to score.
However, just a few minutes later, Jeff Skinner scored his 21st goal of the year, which ended up being the game-winning tally in a 4-2 victory.
This win was especially important for the Sabres because it helped Buffalo gain ground on every other team in the playoff hunt after they had all lost on Saturday.
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Player of the week: Dylan Cozens
Cozens has had an incredible jump this season with the Sabres, becoming one of their most consistent producers. In the last four games, the 22-year-old recorded five points (3+2) and has been a key piece to the team's lineup.
The third-year center has scored 48 points (20+28) in 53 games this season. He recently signed a seven-year contract extension worth $49.7 million dollars, which kicks in next season.
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The week ahead:
Over the next week, the Sabres will play four games split evenly between home and away ice.
This begins Tuesday night when the Sabres host the Toronto Maple Leafs at KeyBank Center. They will then embark on an important two-game Florida road trip to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning and Panthers in back-to-back nights on Thursday and Friday.
Buffalo will wrap up the week on home ice against the Washington Capitals in a matinee matchup on Sunday.
