A couple of weeks ago, it seemed like the Buffalo Sabres would be able to ride their defense to the playoffs. They were using a very sound strategy and were considered to have one of the best defenses in the NHL.

Recently, every single one of those statements is debatable. They have not been playing solid defensively, they have not been using a sound strategy, and they can’t ride this defense to a good playoff position. They have slumped at a crucial time.

As Matthew Hogan points out on his article at Bleacher Report (see article), the Sabres are “allowing their defenders to join the rush” and “getting caught in the offensive zone”. These mistakes have stopped the Sabres from winning games and have given the Senators a chance to catch up in the division.

Right now, the Sabres are on a four game losing streak, while the Senators are on a six game winning streak.

The biggest reason that the Sabres are losing is that they have strayed away from their original strategy. Back when their defense was playing well, they would usually have three players on or near the point. This stopped them from getting caught in the attacking zone and made it almost impossible for the other team to get around them.

Ottawa’s winning streak comes as a nice surprise to their fans. I can remember hearing other bloggers rant and rave about the Senators at the beginning of the season. However, their recent play is something that they should be proud of.

Defensively, they have been very solid. In their six game winning streak, they have not allowed more than two goals in a game. Those are some of the best numbers that their defense has posted for the entire season. Most of this, has to do with the goalie. Elliot has been playing very well and was recently named the NHL’s top star of the week.

I don’t want to say that they’ll catch the Sabres, because I’m not sure if that’s going to happen or not. Obviously, if both teams continue to play the way they are now, the Senators will take the division in no time.

However, I don’t think that will happen. Yes, Ottawa’s catching up. Yes, Buffalo’s having a skid. But, Buffalo still has a solid defense. I’m sure that the coaching staff knows what’s going on and will fix it. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them go back to the defensive style of play that was winning games. I don’t think this skid is going to last much longer.

Subscribe to Eric's Free Email Newsletter

More NHL News