When you fall 6-2 to a divisional rival in the midst of a playoff battle, chances are your head coach is going to be none too pleased with your effort.
Such was the case following the Buffalo Sabres 6-2 loss to the New York Rangers on Friday night. Following the defeat, head coach Phil Housley didn't mince words when we called out his team for appearing to look "soft."
The team managed to pull within a goal -- after being down 2-0 and then 3-1, but then conceded three goals in the third period and failed to win back-to-back games dating back to mid-December. Following Saturday night's string of games, Buffalo sits five points out a playoff spot with 63 points and are falling down the ladder in the Eastern Conference.
“When we don’t execute we look slow, we look sloppy, we let guys off the wall in D-zone coverage, we were easy to play against in the first period," continued Housley.
"You have to understand the desperation at this time of the season. Every shift counts, every plays counts, the details of the game, that’s what is disappointing because you feel like we’re moving in the right direction and you take a step back."
The Sabres goal differential now sits at -10 on the season -- no Eastern Conference teams currently in a playoff position are below zero. Buffalo will look to turn the ship around when they hit the road to face the Devils on Sunday night.
(h/t John Vogl)
