SABRES 101

The Buffalo Sabres played their usual game Tuesday; mediocre first period, atrocious second period, inspired third period; and the end result was yet another loss. 

Winnipeg jumped out to an early lead when Bryan Little buried a chance while standing all alone in the slot just one minute into the period. The Jets would get another one in the second period from Evander Kane after Nathan Gerbe blantantly gave the puck away when trying to exit the defensive zone. Most of the second period was filled with boos from the fans, who seemingly have had enough.

"I'm not going to stand here and make excuses for it," head coach Lindy Ruff said after Buffalo's 2-1 loss to the Jets. "I understand (the fans reaction). I totally understand it. I'm embarrassed. Totally understand it."

The Sabres clawed their way back into the game when Jason Pominville converted on a shot with 22 seconds to go in the second period. The team came out for the third period and played an inspired 20 minutes, but they were unable to get the tying goal and eventually fell to the Jets 2-1.

"I have a hard time explaining that one," Ruff said. "After putting together two, pretty solid performances, I have a hard time explaining that. Except that, yesterdays day off, and preparation we tried to go through this morning, getting ready to play, it wasn't good enough."

Ruff also agrees with his players who have questioned their own effort.

"It's true. We didn't start to skate until the third period," Ruff said. "We gotta take a good look at everything. That's what we have to do. We really do."

The Sabres will try to pick up the pieces and be ready for a game in Toronto on Thursday, where fans, and the team itself will hope to see a more inspired effort.  

Tags: Buffalo, Buffalo Sabres, Hockey, NHL

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