The Buffalo Sabres continued their winning ways on Saturday Night with a 4-1 victory over the visiting Boston Bruins. The win was Buffalo’s eighth consecutive victory. The team moved within one point of a wild card position and just three points out of a top three spot in the Atlantic division standings.
The Sabres have been able to close the gap in the playoff chase with key wins against both Atlantic division competition.
The arrival of new General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen has changed the mindset of the entire organization and a fan base that has waited many years for a competitive team to get excited about.
Systems, belief, and parity
The players have embraced the system installed by head coach Lindy Ruff, a style of play built on puck pressure and speed.
The futility surrounding Keyn Adams’ five and half year tenure is gone. The Kekalainen era has brought with it a fresh start that is evident throughout the organization.
The eight consecutive wins has Buffalo back in the mix for a postseason berth.
On the blueline, the outstanding play of Mattias Samuelsson has been a key to the Sabres reversal of fortune. Through thirty-five games played in this season, the twenty-five year old defenseman has six goals, twelve assists and is a plus fifteen on the plus/minus chart.
Samuelsson is clearly having fun as the team’s winning run continues.
“I think I made a big emphasis in my game this year to try to play more of a two-hundred foot game, “ said Samuelsson. “Good defensively and get up in the rush, lugging the puck up the ice. That’s hockey, that’s fun, making plays.”
His strong play in key situations has made Samuelsson a player coach Ruff can rely on.
“His physicality has been really good this year, “ said Ruff. “He ends a lot of plays. He’s really on top of his game. From what he’s done chipping in offensively and the work he’s done on the PK (penalty kill) and playing against top lines every night, he’s really playing a good brand of hockey for us. “
The Sabres hit the road for the next three games, with stops in St. Louis, Dallas and Columbus.
After a dismal start to the road schedule this season, Buffalo has found ways to come away with points away from home.
With confidence building with each victory, the Sabres look to keep the streak alive and continue to move up the standings.
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