Lopsided Loss Raises Concerns for Senators
The Ottawa Senators found themselves on the wrong end of an 8-4 drubbing by the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday night, raising early-season concerns for the struggling club.
Tkachuk's Injury Proves Costly
The Senators were already reeling from the news that captain Brady Tkachuk will miss at least four weeks with a hand injury suffered in Monday's loss to the Nashville Predators. His absence was felt as the Senators struggled to keep pace with the hungry Sabres.
Sabres Capitalize on Special Teams
The Sabres were able to take advantage of their special teams play, scoring a shorthanded goal and adding a pair of power-play tallies to spark their four-goal second period. Ryan McLeod, Jack Quinn, and Jason Zucker each scored twice for Buffalo, handing the Senators their third loss in four games to start the season.
Senators' Efforts Fall Short
Despite a valiant effort to battle back, the Senators were unable to overcome the Sabres' lead. Coach Travis Green acknowledged that a few "looser plays" in the second period proved costly, as the Sabres capitalized on their opportunities.
Looking Ahead
The Senators will look to rebound quickly as they host the Seattle Kraken on Thursday night. With Tkachuk sidelined, other players will need to step up if the Senators hope to right the ship and get their season back on track.
TL;DR
- The Ottawa Senators suffered an 8-4 loss to the Buffalo Sabres, their third defeat in four games to start the season.
- Captain Brady Tkachuk's hand injury proved costly, as the Senators struggled to match the Sabres' special teams play.
- The Senators will look to bounce back quickly as they host the Seattle Kraken, with other players needing to step up in Tkachuk's absence.
- Concerns are mounting for the Senators as they search for answers to their early-season struggles.