Sabres Abandon System, Collapse in Boston

The Boston Bruins defeated the Buffalo Sabres in a 7-4 rout in Boston last night. It is no secret the Sabres are struggling as of late. They have lost three straight games by allowing at least five goals against and have only won three in their last 10 games. It was not so long ago when Buffalo recorded back to back shutouts and sat atop the Northeast Division. Now those high hopes linger just a smidge and the players are left sitting in the locker-room scratching their heads... What is going on? It is evident to those who follow the Sabres to know that they have completely abandoned the defensive system that lead to their early season success. The Sabres started the '08-'09 campaign with a new mindset. Defense first, offense second. They dumped and chased, played sound defensively, out worked their opponent and made very little mistakes with the puck. Totally opposite to what the team has been accustomed to in years previous, which has been run and gun, and giving up odd man rushes a ... (link)