Costly defensive gaffe, team outplayed, and more: 3 reasons why Buffalo Sabres lost 3-1 against Boston Bruins

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Dec 22, 2024 04:39 GMT

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The Buffalo Sabres lost their 13th straight game, dropping a 3-1 decision at the hands of the Boston Bruins on Saturday night at the TD Garden.

JJ Peterka scored a power play goal in the second period for the Buffalo Sabres. Meanwhile, Charlie Coyle, Morgan Geekie (PPG) and Brad Marchand (EN) scored for the Bruins.

Here’s a look at the three key reasons why the Buffalo Sabres lost to the Boston Bruins on Saturday night.

3 key reasons why Buffalo Sabres lost to Boston Bruins

#3 The Sabres were outplayed

The Buffalo Sabres were outplayed despite having a 20-19 edge in the shot count. The Bruins controlled much of the game, especially down the stretch as the B’s held on to the tie game.

In particular, the Bruins outshot the Sabres 8-3 in the third period, essentially keeping the Sabres in check during the game’s final minutes.

Additionally, the Bruins outhit the Sabres 28-22 and forced more giveaways as the Sabres committed 25 to the Bruins 20. Lastly, the Bruins won 60% of the faceoffs, making it difficult for the Sabres to get much going.

#2 The Sabres were gassed

For the Buffalo Sabres, it was the second game in as many nights. On Friday, they suffered a 6-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. On Saturday, it was evident the Sabres were tired as they looked slow throughout the game.

In particular, the latter half of the second period and the entire third period belonged to the Bruins as the Sabres were merely trying to get the game into overtime. However, a late power play for the Bruins turned into the game-winner.

Then, Marchand iced the game as the Sabres tried to get something going with the goalie pulled, but were unable to get the equalizer.

#1 Costly defensive gaffe led to game-winner

A costly defensive gaffe led to the Sabres’ demise against the Boston Bruins. Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelson pushed the Bruins’ Justin Brazeau into goaltender James Reimer as the shot from Morgan Geekie came in the dying seconds of the Bruins’ power play.

Here's a look at the play:

The Sabres tried to challenge goalie interference, but the replay clearly showed the Sabres defender pushed Brazeau into his own goalie. The goal on the ice stood and the Sabres were done for the night.

The Sabres will face the New York Islanders on Monday night as they try to avoid getting back into the record books with their 14th straight loss.