3 Takeaways From the Sabres’ 4-2 Game 2 Loss to the Bruins

In the wake of an absolutely electric 4-3 win in Game 1, it felt like things couldn’t possibly go better for the Buffalo Sabres. And with all-pro quarterback Josh Allen in the house to bang the drum for Game 2, it felt like every last ounce of momentum would be in their corner.

Unfortunately, things just did not go the Sabres’ way. Those who predicted a tight series looked to have been validated as the Bruins jumped on the Sabres in the third period to take Game 2 and tie the series at 1-1.

Far Too Many Penalties

Though both teams would end up with the same number of penalties in what turned into an extremely chippy affair, the Sabres handcuffed themselves throughout with costly penalties that hindered momentum.

The team spent nearly four straight minutes in the first period killing penalties, which they managed to do successfully. Just when it felt like they might have a little jump to their game, another penalty would take them right out of it.

By the time Tage Thompson and Zach Benson each earned 10-minute misconducts early in the third period, the game already felt out of reach. The Sabres need to clean up their mistakes and stay out of the box in Game 3.

A Complete Lack of High-Danger Chances

Both games have followed nearly an identical script when it comes to the Sabres offenses. They need to keep pressure on Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman if they are going to advance, and it felt like he had nothing but easy looks for most of the game.

It followed the same story in Game 1. The Sabres led in shots but never really had anything right in front of the net to challenge Swayman. They manage to do it when they have a sense of urgency at the end of games, but that isn’t a formula for winning in the playoffs.

The Sabres need to get bodies in front and make life more difficult for Swayman. They also need to work the puck to their defensemen in the offensive zone, getting off quick shots in order to keep the Boston goalie moving and guessing.

The Power Play is a Real Problem

There have been a lot of good things to talk about this season, but the power play has not been one of them. Coming into the playoffs, the power play finished the final seven games of the regular season without a power play goal, going 0-for-22 in that stretch.

After two games in this series, the power play has added nine more misses to its total. With five opportunities in Game 2, they had several chances to cut into the lead and build momentum, only to be stifled by the Bruins’ penalty kill.

This isn’t a new development for the power play. For years, the unit has been dreadful, and it has been infinitely frustrating to watch them struggle to even gain the zone. They have to get this figured out or it could come down to a missed power play opportunity that winds up costing them a pivotal game.

Game 3 is Critical

Sometimes, you get your rear ends handed to you. That’s what happened to the Sabres in the space of about five minutes of game time between the end of the second period and the beginning of the third period.

The Sabres need to dust themselves off and come out fired up for Game 3. Get on the Bruins early, cause chaos in front of Swayman, and make the most of any opportunities they get. Another performance like this one and the series won’t last long.