System tweak has Sabres thriving ahead of clash vs. Senators

It's been a roller coaster of a season for the Buffalo Sabres.

It started with three straight losses before an 11-6-1 run, including a 7-2-0 stretch from Nov. 5-23. Then they lost 13 straight, going 0-10-3. Since snapping that skid Dec. 23, they are 4-2-1.

The Sabres will look to continue that solid stretch when they kick off the second half of their season with a visit to the Ottawa Senators on Thursday.

Buffalo is coming off a 4-3 shootout win against the Washington Capitals on Monday, in which it held three one-goal leads in regulation. Holding leads was especially an issue during the 0-10-3 slide, with opponents erasing a multi-goal lead on several occasions.

That prompted coach Lindy Ruff to tweak his system, and they're seeing positive results.

"We've changed quite a few things about the way we play," he said. "I think it's helped our team. I think we're getting pretty confident now about what we want to do with the puck. Our puck support has been a lot better, and I think we're on our way out of it."

Another positive sign is JJ Peterka starting to find his game again. Though the goals have been few -- just two in his past 16 games -- he had two assists against Washington to extend his point streak to three games and has 12 points in his past 11 games. His first assist was initially credited as his goal before it was changed to Alex Tuch, who unknowingly deflected Peterka's shot from the right circle.

"I think as long as I can play with speed and move the puck quick, I think it's been good," Peterka said. "Obviously, still want to produce more in like those tight games we had on the road where we lose by one goal. ... I want to step up in those games."

Thursday's tilt will be key for both teams as the Sabres, last in the Eastern Conference, look to gain ground in the playoff chase. They're seven points back of the Pittsburgh Penguins for the second wild card while the Senators are one point out.

Ottawa is back home after a nine-game road trip while the 2025 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship took over their arena. The team went 4-4-1, closing it out with a 3-2 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday.

"It sucks but we got a point," forward Tim Stutzle said. "It was a good team effort. We played pretty well but not good enough and we wanted to come out with that win."

The Senators have lost five of six (1-4-1) after a six-game winning streak and an 8-1-0 run.

"We're right in the mix," captain Brady Tkachuk said. "That's what you want, and the next 43 games is going to be a hell of a ride. You've got to appreciate you got a point in this tight race and stay in it."

Offense has been hard to come by for the Senators lately, with 10 goals in their past six games. Three of those came in their lone win on Dec. 29.

Stutzle leads the team with 41 points (12 goals, 29 assists) but has just four points (one goal, three assists) in his past eight games.

--Field Level Media