3 Things That Need Fixing From Sabres Loss to Red Wings

The Buffalo Sabres dropped both games of the weekend’s back-to-back as they fell to the Detroit Red Wings, 2-1. It’s the second one-goal loss in a row for the Sabres, which especially hurts with both coming in regulation. Buffalo’s pointless streak extends to three games with plenty of issues to fix.

The Sabres kicked off the scoring in the first period, as Alex Tuch stripped the puck shorthanded and ripped a shot past Cam Talbot on the breakaway. The Red Wings responded with two powerplay goals from Dylan Larkin in the second period to head into the third with the lead.

Buffalo pressured Detroit throughout most of the third but couldn’t find a way to beat Talbot. The loss was a display of repeated mistakes, poor play by slumping players, and no goals at even strength.

Sabres Penalties Costing Them

The Sabres started strong on the penalty kill, with Tuch picking the puck from the Red Wings and scoring on the breakaway. The deficiencies of the shorthanded coverage showed through after that, however.

Detroit’s Larkin scored on the next two powerplay attempts, driving Buffalo’s measly 65.6% penalty-kill percentage down even further. The Sabres were 30th in the NHL in shorthanded success, and are dropping fast with the way they are surrendering goals.

Jack Quinn Needs to Regroup

It was another abysmal game for Jack Quinn, who, production aside, is struggling in all facets of the game. He scored a “D+” in our Sabres Grades. He was coming off an “F” performance yesterday and needs some time to figure out how to be effective again.

Even coming off of two debilitating injuries last season, Quinn found a way to be effective and boost the play of his linemates. That is not the case this season, as JJ Peterka, who started the game with Quinn and Dylan Cozens, also graded poorly.

It may be time to consider scratching Quinn again until he can regain confidence and show he can produce.

5-on-5 Scoring Becoming an Issue

The Sabres controlled a fair amount of even-strength play but were unable to score a goal 5-on-5. It’s starting to become an issue, as they only scored one goal with an even amount of skaters on both sides against the Florida Panthers and New York Islanders.

The offense needs to come from more than the Tage Thompson, JJ Peterka, and Alex Tuch line, which was reunited in the third period. Cozens and Quinn are not cutting it, which means the Sabres might have to bring someone in from outside of the organization, if they can, to bolster the goal support.

Related: Report: Sabres GM Has Been “Active” in Trade Market

For the Red Wings’ point of view on the game, visit Detroit Hockey Now.