While the Tampa Bay Lightning passed their first test post-Steven Stamkos injury, the Buffalo Sabres offense once again failed in a 4-1 loss on Thursday.
Just ask Evander Kane.
“It must be a joke floating around the league: You score two goals against the Buffalo Sabres and you’re going to win the hockey game,” Kane said, according to the Buffalo News.
Well, then.
On one hand, Kane has a point. Just look at Buffalo’s output in November, even in wins:
Nov. 1: 2-1 win at the Wild
Nov. 3: 2-1 loss vs. Maple Leafs
Nov. 5: 2-1 win at Senators
Nov. 7: 4-0 loss at Bruins
Nov. 9: 2-1 shootout loss vs. Senators
Nov. 11: 2-1 OT loss vs. Devils
Nov. 12: 4-2 loss at Devils
Tuesday: 4-1 loss at Blues
Thursday: 4-1 loss vs. Lightning
Kane’s assessment is literally correct, at least during this specific month; they’ve scored two goals or less in every game so far in November.
Of course, the young power forward can’t really deny that he’s part of the problem.
His assist on Thursday’s lone Buffalo goal is the only point he’s mustered in six games this season. It’s not just a matter of bad luck, alone, as he’s only managed 11 shots on goal during that span.
It’s no secret that there are trade rumors surrounding Kane, and it’s tougher and tougher to dismiss the notion that both sides might benefit from a fresh start.
That said, as low as things sink for the Sabres on this six-game losing streak, Kane hasn’t exactly driven his trade value through the roof, either.