Sports Then and Now

Paul Gaustad knocks down Jason Spezza in the first period against Ottawa on Saturday night.

Buffalo has now lost three in a row, the first time all season. Ottawa’s win puts them only one point out of first place in the division.

The backup goaltenders played against each other. Patrick Lalime played against his former team, stopping 21 shots. Pascal Leclaire began the game but left due to a groin injury. Brian Elliot came in and finished the job as the Senators played well and earned the victory.

Patrick Lalime has yet to win a game for the Sabres this year. At 35 years of age and the way he has played since coming to Buffalo, he is not considered a reliable backup. His goals against average was above four coming into the game, then he allowed five more in Saturday’s game.

Buffalo needs to find a goalie to backup Ryan Miller. With Rick DiPietro returning for the Islanders, Martin Biron remains a solid option. He is cheap, and the Islanders do not need him as much. Plus, Biron would love playing for Buffalo again, and so would the entire city of Buffalo.

Back to the game!

Thomas Vanek scored a powerplay goal to put the Sabres on the board. Patrick Kaleta and Jason Pominville also scored for the Sabres.

Alfreddsson had two goals and an assist on the night and Filip Kuba had a goal and three assists.

Buffalo outshot Ottawa 41-26 on the night, but couldn’t keep Ottawa off the board.

Last season, Ottawa beat Buffalo 5 out of 6 times.

Buffalo is beginning to slip in the standings, with big games coming up this week. Buffalo plays Washington and Philadelphia on the road. After losing two nights in a row to divisional opponents, the Sabres need to find a way to win very soon.

Three days of rest may help this Buffalo team. They need to regroup and focus on their next opponent.

Sabres at Capitals. Wednesday at 7:00.

For more Sabres news and information, visit Kevin’s website at http://www.sabreshockeycentral.com