By Jordan Long
The Buffalo Sabers are in the midst of a 12 game losing skid. They are currently the worst team in the NHL with a record of 6-18-4 for a total of 16 points. Buffalo decided it was time to let go of Head Coach Ralph Krueger.
Krueger was hired prior to the 2019 season. He didn’t have much previous experience being an NHL Head Coach. He was last a Head Coach in the NHL in 2012-2013 for the Edmonton Oilers, lasting 48 games. The Oilers were a disappointing 19-22-7 under him. The Sabers were hoping for better results.
The Sabers were anticipating he could lead this franchise to the postseason. They had not made the playoffs since 2011. Last year, they finished 30-31-8 for 68 points, just missing the playoffs by 3 points. This year, the Sabers had higher hopes. They signed forward Taylor Hall, who was one of the top names in free agency. He was going to help this team score goals and improve in the standings.
Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened. The Sabers are dead last in the NHL standings. They can’t seem to score goals, scoring 2.07 goals a game which is the bottom of the league. When it comes to defense the Sabers give up 3.39 goals per game, 29th in the league. They permit teams to spend time in the defensive zone which creates scoring chances. The defense isn’t doing their job. Opponents produce rebounds and the defensemen can’t get hold of the puck and it is in the back of the net. Skaters will also stand in front of the goaltender to screen them or to tip it past them.
The Sabers are playing well on special teams. When it comes to the power play, they set it up for opportunities to score. They score on 26% of the time when they have the man advantage, 9th in the NHL. On the power play kill they can kill off most of the penalties they take. Buffalo steals the puck and shoots it to the other end to take time off it, killing off 79.7% of their penalties, ranking 15th in the league.
The Sabers needed a change at Head Coach. Krueger had two seasons to help this team end their playoff drought and has been unable to do that. Krueger leaves the Sabers with a dreadful record of 36-49-12. He may not be a Head Coach at the NHL again but could be an assistant in the league. He can help a franchise and may learn from his mistakes.
For the Sabers, they haven’t announced an interim Head Coach. Whoever it is will have the rest of the year to turn the Sabers around. If they don’t improve in the standings, the Sabers will start a Head Coaching search during the offseason. This seems like another lost season for Buffalo no matter who takes over. Time to turn the page for 2022.
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