The Buffalo Sabres’ miserable start to the 1996 NFHL season continued as they fell 6-4 to the New Jersey Devils, marking their fourth consecutive loss. Now just 25 games into the season, the Sabres’ record has plunged to a dismal 3-20-2, placing them at the bottom of the standings, five points behind the next worst team. With the season slipping away, their performance needs a dramatic turnaround to avoid further widening the gap.

The Sabres showed early signs of life when David Mackey scored just 52 seconds into the game, with assistance from Stu Grimson and Ken Daneyko. However, New Jersey quickly responded with a power-play goal from Marc Bergevin, tying the game at 1-1 by the 4:16 mark.

In the second period, the Sabres briefly took control with Bob Errey’s goal at 3:48, followed by a tally from Marty McSorley at 9:23 to make it 3-1. But the Devils roared back, capitalizing on multiple power-play opportunities. Peter Zezel scored twice, once at 15:43 and again at 18:54, while Marc Bergevin added another short-handed goal just before the second intermission, giving New Jersey a 5-3 lead.

Buffalo’s hopes of a comeback faded in the third period. Yuri Khmylev scored a power-play goal at 5:52 to cut the Devils’ lead to 5-4, but New Jersey sealed the game with an insurance goal from Daryl Evans at 9:16. Despite some feisty play, including a fight between Warren Babe and Dave Andreychuk, the Sabres couldn’t claw back, with several penalties hindering their momentum.

Sabres goaltender Trevor Kidd was tagged with the loss after allowing 5 goals on 23 shots. Andrei Karpin took over in net during the third period, saving 6 of 7 shots. Meanwhile, Devils’ goalie Jeff Reese earned the win, stopping 19 of 23 shots.

The Sabres’ power play did show some promise, converting 2 of 6 opportunities, but their penalty kill struggled as they allowed 4 goals on 13 penalties. New Jersey’s Peter Zezel, who scored twice and assisted on two others, was named the second star of the game, while Daryl Evans and Marc Bergevin earned the top two honors.

Buffalo’s mounting issues, especially on special teams and in net, have left them reeling as they face a long road ahead. With only three wins to their name, the Sabres’ playoff hopes seem increasingly unlikely unless drastic changes occur soon.

-Buffalo, NY