MSG hockey analyst Steve Valiquette made several blows to the Sabers after Buffalo fell to the Rangers in a Tuesday night snoozefest.
“I think Buffalo players should wear ski masks on the 15th and 30th of every month,” said the former Rangers netminder, referring to NHL pay days, “because there’s no way you can have that star power and then not have any pushback. I mean, they seem to have given up their season. ”
The Sabers, who played their games on the MSG network, actually had more chances than the Rangers in the 3-2 loss, but only collected five shots in three from New York, while scoring a goal in the third. period.
“The Rangers packed it in the third period, but Buffalo even made an effort [get to high-scoring areas]? I think they are very easy to play against them “, said Valiquette. “I think it’s a terrible hockey team. They should be embarrassed. “
It was the fourth straight loss for a Buffalo team that has often shown no dizziness. At 6-11-3, the Sabers are last in the Eastern Division and are about to miss the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season.
Buffalo entered the pandemic season shortened by 56 games with optimism after signing Taylor Hall, MVP of the 2018 league, to a one-year contract of 8 million dollars, adding him to a talented core of strikers .
But Hall scored just one goal, while franchise captain and face Jack Eichel and his $ 10 million annual salary have two goals. Jeff Skinner, who is paid $ 9 million, has not scored at all and has been signed several times this season for a poor game. Sabers ranks second in goals per game with 2.20.
Disappointment has led to rumors that Sabers could change 24-year-old Eichel – possibly to Rangers 8-9-3 who need a center – which could bring the franchise back lower and higher.
“It’s sad to see because Buffalo is one of my favorite cities,” said Valiquette, who grew up in nearby Ontario, Canada. “Incredible people there, hardworking people. It must be hard for them to keep up with the hockey team. ”