MSG hockey analyst Steve Valiquette took several shots at the Sabers after Buffalo fell on a snooze at the Rangers on Tuesday night.
“I think the Buffalo players should wear ski masks on the 15th and 30th of every month,” the former Rangers netder said, referring to the NHL pay days, “because there’s no way you can have that star power and then can have no setback. I mean, they look like they’ve quit their season. ”
The Sabers, who also play their games on the MSG network, actually had more chances than the Rangers in the 3-2 defeat, but they only collected five shots on New York’s three while in the third period. ‘ was a goal.
‘The Rangers packed it in the third period, but Buffalo even tried to do it [get to high-scoring areas]? “I think they are very easy to play against,” said Valiquette. “I think it’s a terrible hockey team. They must be embarrassed. ”
It was the fourth consecutive loss for a Buffalo team that often looked weak. At 6-11-3, the Sabers are last in the Eastern Division and well on their way to missing the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season.
Buffalo entered the pandemic-shortened 56-game season with reason for optimism after signing Taylor Hall, the 2018 MVP League, for a $ 8 million one-year contract, which added him to a talented core of forwards.
But Hall scored just one goal, while captain and face of the franchise Jack Eichel and his $ 10 million annual salary have two goals. Jeff Skinner, who is paid $ 9 million, did not score at all and was selected for poor play several times this season. The Sabers are second-last in goals per game with 2.20.
The disappointment led to rumors that the Sabers could trade the 24-year-old Eichel – possibly with the needy center-right 8-9-3 Rangers – who could put the humble franchise back even further.
“It’s sad to see because Buffalo is one of my favorite cities,” said Valiquette, who grew up in Ontario, Canada. ‘Amazing people there, hardworking people. They have a hard time watching that team play hockey. ”