The Buffalo Sabres have secured only one victory in their initial five games this season as they prepare for a Thursday matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Despite their disappointing record, the Sabres have led in three of their losses, including a tough 6-5 overtime defeat to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday. During this setback, Buffalo relinquished leads of 3-1 and 5-4.
“I think with a 3-1 lead, we need to manage the puck better, be smarter, and be more aware of what’s happening behind us,” stated Sabres forward Tage Thompson. “Nonetheless, I appreciated our effort and determination to fight back into the game and regain the lead in the third period. … It’s frustrating, but we have another opportunity to rebound.”
Having missed the playoffs for an NHL record 13 consecutive seasons, Buffalo hoped for a strong start this year but has struggled to deliver a complete performance so far. Against the Penguins, the Sabres initially capitalized on their first two shots, with goals from JJ Peterka and Ryan McLeod giving them a lead midway through the third, but once again they failed to maintain it. “We were all confident we had it, and I think that cost us the game,” Peterka remarked.
McLeod added, “It’s a valuable lesson for us. We must play a full 60 minutes and then move on.”
Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets returned to the ice after a 4-3 loss to the Florida Panthers in their emotional home opener on Tuesday, which featured tributes to Johnny Gaudreau. “Did we want a win for Johnny? Absolutely,” said Columbus coach Dean Evason. “But we informed the team afterward that we are playing winning hockey, even if we didn’t come out on top.”
Gaudreau and his brother Matthew tragically passed away on August 29 when they were struck by a suspected drunk driver while cycling. The Blue Jackets honored Gaudreau by raising a banner bearing his jersey No. 13, displaying a tribute video, and commemorating him during warm-ups and the game.
Teammate Sean Monahan expressed, “I felt like Johnny was watching over us. I sensed I would score, and luckily, I did. It’s disappointing we lost, but I could definitely feel John’s presence.”
As the Blue Jackets strive to find their winning strategy, they face additional challenges. On Wednesday, the team announced that defenseman Erik Gudbranson has been placed on injured reserve, and goalie Jet Greaves has been called up from the minors after starting goalie Elvis Merzlikins suffered an upper-body injury. Gudbranson left Tuesday’s game following a collision with Monahan. Currently, five players are sidelined due to injuries, although forward Justin Danforth (wrist) is nearing a return, possibly as soon as Thursday. David Jiricek is expected to replace Gudbranson in the lineup.
