Buffalo N.Y. (WGR 550) - The Ottawa Senators were back in town to square off with the Buffalo Sabres in, what was expected to be, a physical matchup following the teams' previous games this season.
This game was all of that and more, with eight separate penalties and a fight throughout the game.
The season series between these two teams was deadlocked at one apiece after the Senators defeated the Sabres, 5-0, back at the end of January. 10 games separated the two teams between games, and in that time, Ottawa won four games and lost six.
The Sabres controlled play for more than half of the game after Kyle Okposo converted on the power play in the first period. However, late in the second period, the Senators tied the game and that would be it for any chance of a Sabres win.
Ottawa went on to score two more goals in the third period, one being an empty-netter, and that was all she wrote.
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The Sabres were only able to muster five shots in the third period. So what exactly was the team's problem against the pesky Senators?
Here are this game's three observations:
1.) Veteran Presence
Okposo has been quite the interesting player in his time here in Buffalo.
Between the large contract that he signed coming to Buffalo, the constant injuries that nearly ended his hockey career, and now the leadership role he has taken on in the locker room with the team, he’s certainly made his mark on the Sabres.
The 33-year-old scored the only goal for the Sabres in this game, his 11th of the season, but the points that he’s scored have not been the focal point of his career in Buffalo.
For the past couple of seasons, Okposo has been a critical piece of veteran leadership in the locker room for players like Dylan Cozens, Tage Thompson, and Casey Mittelstadt. This has been an important part of their development early on in their NHL careers, and something as simple as his play on Thursday is something they can learn from as well.
2.) Powerless power play
There’s a reason these articles are on a game-by-game basis; things can change at the drop of a hat.
While the Sabres remained perfect on the penalty kill, killing both of Ottawa’s opportunities, they were an abysmal on the power play, going 1-for-6 with the man advantage.
The Sabres had three power play opportunities alone in the first period, but were only able to capitalize on one of them. It was also their only goal of the game.
Jeff Skinner, Tage Thompson, and Alex Tuch have looked phenomenal at even strength, but when they're on the power play with the additions of Rasmus Dahlin and Peyton Krebs, they somehow struggle to produce. This is something that has to be more consistent in the future if this team is to get anywhere.
One thing is for sure, both power play units need to find different ways to enter the zone rather than forcing something at the line or dumping the puck in deep, only for it to be shot back out five seconds later.
3.) Long awaited reunion
Thursday was the first game Craig Anderson was able to play against his long-time club, and he played lights out.
Anderson played 435 games with the Senators during his prime, and showed his former club he’s still got the stuff in a great 26-save performance.
While the scoreboard doesn’t show it, Anderson stood on his head the whole night. The 40-year-old has been an excellent piece for the Sabres this year, and has kept them in every game he’s played.
Perhaps Anderson would be interested in some form of a coaching role with the team when he decides to call it a career. He would be the perfect tutor for young studs like Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Devon Levi, and Erik Portillo.
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The Sabres are back in action on Saturday to take on the white-hot Colorado Avalanche, who currently sit atop the NHL standings with 74 points and a record of 35-9-4. Their earlier meeting this year in Colorado lead to a 4-1 Avalanche victory.
Pregame coverage starts at 12 p.m. EST with Brian Koziol and Paul Hamilton. Puck drop is set for 1 p.m. EST on the radio home of the Sabres - WGR Sports Radio 550.
