Things are going from bad to worse for the Buffalo Sabres. Following a meeting with the owner and the GM, one in which the team was told the solution to their losing was in the locker room, that same group of players allowed Patrik Laine to score a hat trick, all on power plays. While it’s a sign that Laine has that weapon of a shot clicking again, it’s an embarrassing display for the Sabres.
As of this writing, the game isn’t over. That means Laine could do more damage if the Sabres keep taking penalties and refusing to cover him when down a man. That he’s already netted a hat trick with three power-play goals in just over 30 minutes of play means things could get exponentially worse for Buffalo, who undoubtedly are on their way to losing their 11th-straight game.
Credit to Laine, whose signature one-timer is hard to stop. Giving him and the Canadiens that many looks is asking for trouble. The Sabres are now scrambling for answers and drawing sharp criticism of their special teams’ performance.
Is Laine All The Way Back for the Canadiens?
Laine’s power-play dominance is something to behold. Few have a shot like his in the league (maybe next to Alex Ovechkin) and scoring three in a single night is a big deal. Canadiens fans are overjoyed to see him doing so well after taking a leave from the NHL for personal reasons.
Meanwhile, the Sabres’ struggles on special teams are a growing concern, with their inability to contain Laine serving as a painful reminder of their shortcomings. Buffalo’s defensive lapses and lack of discipline gave Laine the space he needed, and he made them pay each time.
As the Sabres continue to falter, questions will surface about what’s next. Mike Harrington writes, “Clearly one of the most embarrassing moments in Sabres franchise history. Memo to the owner and GM: You’re out of solutions in your dressing room.” He expects to see a trade in the next couple of days.
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