3 Takeaways for Sabers 5-3 Win Over the Red Wings – Hockey Writers – Buffalo Sabers

Coming into this game, the Buffalo Sabers had a little momentum on their side. They had won their last two games, including a decisive 4-2 victory over the Dallas Stars. This game against the Detroit Red Wings was important not only in the current situation but in terms of momentum going forward.

The Sabers responded in a spectacular fashion, regaining the best jersey in the game right now. Despite allowing three goals, they controlled most of the game and walked away with a 5-3 victory over the Red Wings. There are a few important things to talk about, so let's get into them.

Tage Thompson is Big Back

Tage Thompson didn't look like himself last season, but nobody really did. So far this season, Thompson has looked a lot like the guy who scored 47 goals and 94 points two seasons ago.

Thompson scored for the third game in a row and the fourth in the last five. His first was an excellent passing show that returned to the Sabers for 2022-23. It was a good thing and it deservedly brought the fans to their feet.

Thompson has seven goals and 11 points in nine games. He has been a key factor in an excellent offense and looks to be on the rise. He has brilliant hands and tends to bust out moves that only guys can pull off.

Power Play! It's alive!

Therefore is something It is possible to score points in the power play! In the first opportunity they were given that day, the Sabers were able to score a goal for the team for the first time this season. The offense is too good to last long, especially considering how many talented players are on the team.

Related: Sabers Have Quality Offense Despite Critical Flaws

The Sabers have had some up-and-down starts this season (reversing that, actually) but the power play has been awful. It was nice to see them get on the board with the man advantage, hopefully they can start something consistent going forward.

In the game, as a whole, the power play felt better running than it does now. They created more chances, struggled a bit to get into the zone, and looked more skilled than they have so far this season.

The Sabers Are Terrible on Faceoffs

It can't be all roses, so let's focus on one aspect of the game that did not go well for the Sabers, and that is the faceoff circle. For what seems like years, the Sabers have struggled to win faceoffs, especially in big moments. It is an issue that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.

Once again, the Sabers lost the face-off battle, winning just 32.9% of their draws. The ability to win faceoffs may be a touch overstated but there will be key phases of games where faceoffs make the difference. The Sabers' failure to win those games could come back to bite them.

Cautious Optimism in Buffalo

That made it three wins in a row for the Sabers. It also means points in five of the last six games, which is important in this section. The Atlantic Division feels in control this season and that will be huge for the Sabres.

That said, it's important to maintain optimism with caution. The Sabers put together a long winning streak the last few seasons before finally falling out. This time, the team looks better from top to bottom but still has a critical time to show in the program.

The next six games will be a clear indication of what is to come this season. They played the Florida Panthers, New York Islanders, Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators, New York Rangers, and Calgary Flames during that time. Getting at least one point will only serve you well for the rest of the season.