MSG hockey analyst Steve Valiquette took several shots at the Sabers after Buffalo fell to the Rangers during a snooze party on Tuesday night.
“I think the Buffalo players should be wearing ski masks on the 15th and 30th of each month,” said the former Rangers netminder regarding NHL payouts, “because there’s no way you can have that star power and then no kickback. I mean, they look like they’ve quit their season. ”
The Sabers, who also play their games on the MSG Network, actually had more chances than the Rangers in the 3-2 defeat, but amassed only five shots against New York’s three while lagging a goal in the third period.
“The Rangers wrapped it up in the third period, but Buffalo even made an effort to do so [get to high-scoring areas]I think they are very easy to play against, ”said Valiquette. “I think that’s a terrible hockey team. They should be ashamed. “
It was the fourth consecutive loss for a Buffalo team that often looked listless. At 6-11-3, the Sabers are last in the East division and well on their way to missing the playoffs for the 10th season in a row.
Buffalo started the 56-game pandemic-shortened season with reason for optimism after signing Taylor Hall, the 2018 league MVP, to a one-year $ 8 million contract, adding him to a talented core of forwards.
But Hall has only scored one goal, while franchise captain and face Jack Eichel and his $ 10 million annual salary have two goals. Jeff Skinner, who gets $ 9 million, has not scored at all and has been benched a few times this season for bad play. The Sabers are second last in goals per game with 2.20.
The disappointment has sparked rumors that the Sabers could trade 24-year-old Eichel – possibly to the center-needy 8-9-3 Rangers – which could push back the humble franchise even further.
“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, hard working people. They must have a hard time watching that team play hockey. “