The Sabers continue their winless despair

The Sabers continue their winless despair

BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) – A lone Sabers supporter wearing a Grinch mask surrounded by a group full of Maple Leafs fans wearing Christmas beards and hats created a festive atmosphere at KeyBank Center on Friday night.

If there was one saving grace for the Sabers in their 12th straight loss, it was that the visitors’ loud cheers drowned out the home crowd’s despair. And most paying customers went home satisfied.

The Sabers extended the fifth-worst winning streak in franchise history to a depressing dozen with a 6-3 loss to a Toronto team supported by a loud majority chanting “Go Leafs Go!” Buffalo’s eighth straight home game without a win also marks its fifth-longest losing streak ever.

Toronto took the lead in the first 90 seconds, doubled it by the end of the first period and chased Sabers goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen en route to making it 5-1 just midway through the second period.

The Sabers struggled to overcome early misfortune when Alex Tuch scored what appeared to be an equalizing goal 2:34 into the first period, but was disallowed by a delayed penalty due to a high tackle on Jason Zucker. A late goal from Owen Power was also taken off the board as the Leafs successfully challenged for goaltender interference.

Power, JJ Peterka and Mattias Samuelsson each had a goal and an assist for the Sabres. Luukkonen was sent off for the second straight game after allowing four goals on 13 shots in 24:27 minutes of ice time. James Reimer made 14 saves and conceded one goal in relief.

The return of captain Rasmus Dahlin after missing seven games due to injury had little impact on Buffalo, particularly on the power play, which went scoreless on two chances.

Next

The Sabers travel to face the Boston Bruins on Saturday evening before visiting the New York Islanders on Monday.

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