Buffalo Sabres Fall At Dallas

Dallas Stars celebrate one of their three third period goals against the Sabres. [Dallas Stars][/caption]The Buffalo Sabres had a great opportunity to play the spoiler role in Monday night's game against the Dallas Stars.  The Stars desperately need every point in their drive to make the playoffs, but the Sabres were making it tough.  The Sabres had a 3-2 lead with 9 minutes to play, but the Stars scored twice in a span of four minutes to win it 4-3.

Brian Gionta scored twice.  Matt Moulson scored in the third to give the Sabres a brief lead, but it was another one of those Sabre-like games where effort doesn't always equal results.  As well as they played in the first two periods, the Sabres gave up three third period goals.

It sets up Thursday's game between the Sabres and the Arizona Coyotes, the two worst teams in the league.  Both are in contention for a chance to select Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel, two of the most coveted amateur hockey players to come along in a while.  Whichever team finishes dead last will be able to select either one of those players.  The team that finishes 29th will be subject to the NHL's draft lottery and their draft position will be based on the outcome.

Thursday's game in Buffalo is almost a match-up of which team wants it less.  It just could be the NHL's worst game of the season.