NEW YORK (AP) — The Buffalo Sabres can bring the joy of ending the longest losing streak in the NHL this season into their holiday break. Buffalo dominated the New York Islanders 7-1 on Monday evening, striking twice in the first period, three times in the second, and twice more in the third to halt a 13-game slide (0-10-3) of futility throughout the month.
Following the victory, there was a noticeable sense of relief as the Sabres enjoy a break until Saturday when they welcome the Chicago Blackhawks. Team captain Rasmus Dahlin shone with four assists, the most by a defenseman this season. Dahlin emphasized that while the win is gratifying for the moment, it is just one step in the long journey ahead.
“We’ve been battling for a long time, and finally, things went our way,” Dahlin expressed, becoming the first Buffalo defenseman with four assists in a game since February 2008. “Now, it’s up to us to maintain this momentum.”
The last time the Sabres tasted victory was at San Jose with a 4-2 win on November 23. Subsequently, they endured a challenging stretch, dropping six one-goal contests and being outscored 53-28. A particularly tough moment came on December 3 in a 5-4 loss to Colorado, where Buffalo joined the list of teams in NHL history to squander a four-or-more goal advantage.
Currently sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with 28 points, Buffalo faced the Islanders after a hard-fought 3-1 defeat in Boston. Against New York, the Sabres displayed resilience from start to finish, scoring seven goals in a game for the first time this season. They were so commanding that boos rained down on the Islanders at UBS Arena.
“It was significant to put up some goals and play a complete game,” remarked forward Jason Zucker, who netted Buffalo’s third goal. “It’s tough not to overthink after losing so many in a row, so credit to our guys. It was satisfying to secure that win heading into the break.”
Beginning the season with a 4-7-1 record, the Sabres then won seven of nine games before their unfortunate streak began. This downturn reignited concern in Buffalo as the team has not made the playoffs since 2011.
Buffalo’s head coach Lindy Ruff, who rejoined the team last summer, offered unwavering support during the squad’s frustrating month. The 64-year-old Ruff, who previously coached the Sabres from 1997-2013, provided succinct praise for his team following their dedicated performance on the road.
“We shut down a lot of plays in our zone. It was a determined effort,” Ruff lauded. “The bench had a lot of energy. It feels like a burden has been lifted from our shoulders.”
