The team was short its 3rd line C, 1st pair RD, and 2nd/3rd line W. That means we were missing talent that could have helped in this game with Buffalo.
Buffalo played very well, finishing their checks and stifling our offensive players. They earned the win; we deserved the loss.
Our top players failed to score goals and prevent goals against. The Sabres also seemed to get the bounces their way; we did not.
This was definitely a LOST OPPORTUNITY to remain above .500 and in the playoff race. A meaningful game that the team screwed up!
Injuries happen to every team. We cant use it as an excuse.
Picture the sens of old that were actually a good team.
Hart nominee Yashin decides to miss the whole year? No worries, playoffs here we come. Bonk takes over.
Alfredsson often got injured. He played 55,58,57 games consecutively...what did the sens do? Make the playoffs. Fisher used to miss quite a few games. Havlat too.
Fisher had seasons of 60,58,24...what did the sens do? Make the playoffs every year.
Havlat? 67, 68, 18...missed a month straight in consecutive seasons and almost a full season. What did sens do? Make the playoffs every year.
Good teams can get through multiple of their top players missing a month of the season because they have depth. injuries give players who were playing below their role the opportunity to step up and take the next step.
We don't have that depth.