It feels like an eternity since the Buffalo Sabers last won a hockey game. The team had another opportunity to end its losing streak with a division game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. They should receive an additional boost with the return of captain Rasmus Dahlin from injury.

But instead of ending their slide, the Sabers missed their last chance and extended their winning streak to twelve games after a 6-3 loss to the Maple Leafs. The highlight of this game was having two separate goals taken away from the Sabers, which would have completely changed the momentum of the game.

The first came in the early stages when winger Jason Zucker had a goal disallowed for sticking too high. The play also resulted in a double minor penalty for the veteran striker. To make matters worse, the Leafs scored on the ensuing power play.

The second came in the third period as the Sabers tried to mount a comeback. Trailing by two goals with less than five minutes left, defenseman Owen Power fired a shot past Maple Leafs goaltender Matt Murray from the spot. However, after a video review, the play was determined to be goalkeeper interference, eliminating the goal and leaving the deficit at two goals.

Following the game, Dahlin spoke about his return to the team. He maintained a positive attitude despite another loss and encouraged the entire organization, including himself, to get to work.

“That’s where we’re at right now,” he said. “We score five points, but two are not recognized. But we can’t hang our heads. We did this to ourselves. We have to work.”

The only positive thing about the team’s loss was the play of winger JJ Peterka, which has been the case all season. He scored a goal and an assist in the team’s loss and led the Sabers in scoring against the Leafs. He has consistently been one of the team’s best offensive players this year, scoring nine goals and 16 assists for 25 points in 31 games played.

However, that’s not enough as the Sabers will need a lot more to get a win and end this winning streak. With disaster looming before the holidays, something has to happen in Buffalo.

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