Sabres can't break the streak

The Sabres posted their ninth loss in a row, dropping a game to the Devils in overtime. This was the fifth loss in the streak to come in the shootout. While it took until late December for the Sabres to get into a shootout it hasn't seemed to help them much as they have lost far more than they have won.

The Sabres got off to a quick start with Paille netting two goals within the first 12 minutes, but played poorly in the second to allow New Jersey to come back within one goal. The Devils then tied the game with a minute remaining in the third. Both of the Devils goals came on delayed penalties, which is odd because the Sabres did a good job killing of their actual shorthanded situations.

The real problem is the Sabres inability to win a shootout. A few things they need to do to fix it. First Miller needs to stop trying to poke check every single attempt, it makes him predictable, and unable to recover if his initial try doesn't work. Ales Kotalik has to go back to his backhand move. He has scored every time this season when he has gone to it, but is like one for seven trying other moves. Finally Thomas Vanek needs to stay on the bench. He's a good player, but should never be used in a shootout. Either Paille or Stafford need to be the go to guy instead. In fact I'd even rather see Peters take the shot, no one knows what to expect there, and that's better than knowing that Vanek is going to mess up.

Official Three Stars

Danial Paille

Zach Parise

Brian Campbell

My Three Stars

Danial Paille (two goals)

Paul Martin (goal)

Paul Gaustad (an assist)