The Buffalo Sabres fell to the Utah Mammoth 4-1 on Saturday at KeyBank Center, according to a report published October 7. The loss leaves Buffalo with a 2-3-0 record to start the season.
Tage Thompson provided the Sabres' only scoring with a power-play goal eight minutes into the game. The goal, which Thompson described as somewhat fluky, snapped a 0-for-13 power-play drought for the team. Utah responded quickly, tying the game just 2:12 later when Kailer Yamamoto scored off a Barrett Hayton centering pass. The goal followed a rebound off a shot from the neutral zone that hit Colten Ellis' pad.
Two quick goals late in the second period allowed Utah to take a lead that ultimately decided the game. While the Sabres generated 13 shots and 19 scoring chances in the third period, they were unable to overcome the deficit. Utah's power play was a significant factor, converting two of five opportunities into goals. Sabres goalie Colten Ellis recorded 26 saves despite noting that traffic made some shots difficult to manage.
Sabres coach Lindy Ruff noted that the team has struggled to connect offensively, with six forwards having played five games without scoring a goal. Ruff stated that the team needs to improve their play by driving toward the net rather than looking for east-west plays. Thompson added that the team needs to get through the traffic and simply get ugly to generate clean looks.
The Sabres' current offensive slump has seen the team manage only one total goal across two games. During the Saturday matchup, Buffalo managed only 11 total shots through the first two periods as Utah clogged the middle of the ice.
The Sabres will wrap up their homestand on Monday at 1 p.m. against the division-rival Florida Panthers.
