Craig Anderson quickly surveyed the Buffalo Sabres’ quiet dressing room late Saturday night as his frustrated teammates tore the tape from their socks, peeled off their equipment and stewed over what took place in the third period against another top team in the NHL.
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No team in the league has the Sabres' number as bad as the Atlantic Division leaders do. The Sabres are 0-5-1 in their last six games against Boston – and 1-13-3 in the last 17 meetings overall.
The fans were at full-throated hostility for 40 minutes as Eichel – who got booed unmercifully every time he touched the puck – had no points and his team was clinging to a 3-2 lead. Then they had no choice but to zip it.
The Golden Knights (13-2) extended their win streak to nine games with the 7-4 victory over the Sabres. The Sabres (7-7) have lost four in a row after falling apart defensively in the third period against Vegas.
"Same mentality every game, just want to try and compete and help our team win tonight," Eichel insisted after today's morning skate.
Okposo, who replaced Eichel as team captain, scored 21 goals, his highest output since 2015-16, while helping the club exceed expectations with Eichel gone.
Photos: Boston Bruins defeat Buffalo Sabres 3-1
Sabres vs. the Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres right wing Tage Thompson (72) scores a goal beside Boston Bruins center David Krejci (46) and goaltender Keith Kinkaid (30) at KeyBank Center on Nov. 12, 2022.
Sabres vs. the Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins center Trent Frederic (11) gets hit during a fight at KeyBank Center on Nov. 12, 2022.
Sabres vs. the Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (48) and Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch (89) battle for the puck at KeyBank Center on Nov. 12, 2022.
Sabres vs. the Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Lawrence Pilut (20) skates with the puck against Boston Bruins left wing Nick Foligno (17) at KeyBank Center on Nov. 12, 2022.
Sabres vs. the Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins defenseman Connor Clifton (75) falls in front of Buffalo Sabres right wing Tage Thompson (72) while trying to pass the puck to Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) at KeyBank Center on Nov. 12, 2022.
Sabres vs. the Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres center Peyton Krebs (19) and Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) battle for the puck at KeyBank Center on Nov. 12, 2022.
Sabres vs. the Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) skates with the puck between Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) and defenseman Owen Power (25) at KeyBank Center on Nov. 12, 2022.
Sabres vs. the Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Lawrence Pilut (20) and Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) battle for the puck at KeyBank Center on Nov. 12, 2022.
Sabres vs. the Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres left wing Jeff Skinner (53) skates with the puck against Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) at KeyBank Center on Nov. 12, 2022.
Sabres vs. the Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins defenseman Connor Clifton (75) passes the puck as Buffalo Sabres center Rasmus Asplund (74) and defenseman Owen Power (25) defend at KeyBank Center on Nov. 12, 2022.
Sabres vs. the Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power (25) skates with the puck as Boston Bruins center Charlie Coyle (13) defends at KeyBank Center on Nov. 12, 2022.
Sabres vs. the Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens (24) shoves Boston Bruins defenseman Connor Clifton (75) during a fight at KeyBank Center on Nov. 12, 2022.
Sabres vs. the Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm (27) skates with the puck as Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) defends at KeyBank Center on Nov. 12, 2022.
Sabres vs. the Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres right wing Tage Thompson (72) skates with the puck against Boston Bruins defenders at KeyBank Center on Nov. 12, 2022.
Sabres vs. the Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power (25) skates with the puck as Boston Bruins center Charlie Coyle (13) defends at KeyBank Center on Nov. 12, 2022.
Sabres vs. the Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres fans cheer as their team scores a goal against the Boston Bruins at KeyBank Center on Nov. 12, 2022.
Sabres vs. the Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens (24) shoves Boston Bruins defenseman Connor Clifton (75) during a fight at KeyBank Center on Nov. 12, 2022.
Sabres vs. the Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin (46) and Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha (18) battle for the puck at KeyBank Center on Nov. 12, 2022.
