The Sabres have been dysfunctional on home ice this season. At 12-15-2, only Edmonton and Ottawa have lost more games on their home ice so far this season. The situation is unentertaining and mysterious. I don't understand how such an excellent team could have such a poor record on home ice. I dug into some numbers and there really isn't any obvious explanation.

These stats don't include their recent 2-1 loss to the Washington Capitals, the rankings are league wide, and they are the home ice stats only.

PP: 21.3%, 8th 108 opportunities is kind of low, 22nd ranked, so they aren't earning enough calls on the forecheck.
PK: 82.2%, 19th 107 times SH is the 13th most, so the dumb penalties don't help matters.
GF: 2.73, 19th Not a lot of goals.
GA: 2.97, 26th This is the biggest concern.

I really don't think the Sabres have played bad at all during this recent 3 game losing streak. For the most part I like the play in the d-zone, guys are getting back and are in position. Everybody is working hard and where they should be, not NEARLY as many mindless turnovers and when in doubt they are getting it out. But the problem recently has been that they are in the d-zone too often. Playing good defense is great, but playing 100 feet away from your d-zone is even better. So in my opinion, the lack of a forecheck has been the problem.

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"I love that you know how to do that." Cheryl/Carol/Crystal

"And I love that I have an erection that doesn't involve homeless people." Kreiger

It's pretty simple...they play a good road game on the road, and get away from that at home. It's been this way for more than a season or two. They want to get fancy at home and put on a show, even though this type of game is routinely shut down by visitors playing a solid road game (especially if that team is physical). I like Ruff, but this is an area that falls completely on his shoulders. If you can't get the team to play winning hockey at home because they don't play the same as on the road, well that's just kinda sorry.

Edit - I know other teams come in playing a boring road style which frustrates the Sabres, in part because they aren't a physical enough team, and that comes down to personnel that the GM has to address.

I don't understand why they want to be cute and fancy at home. I've always loved when they just throw pucks at the net and clean up the garbage. Pretty passes are nice once in a while, but there's nothing Buffalo fans love more than good ol' fashioned hard-nosed, hard working hockey.

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Rest in Peace Nani. 10/3/10

Gerbacity



"Grier coming in over the line. He leaves it to Gaustad. The shot. THEY SCOOOREE!! RING UP ANOTHER ONE FOR THE GOOSE!!! HONK IF YA HEAR THE GOOSE!! 3-0 BUFFALO!"