4 check: Defensive errors apparent in Sabres loss to Ducks

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — After a 4-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Monday, the Sabres are 0-2 this season against Anaheim -- a team they can't afford to lose to.

The Ducks are the third-worst team in the Western Conference, and Buffalo, yet again, let another game slip out of their hands. Time is starting to run out in the playoff race.

Turnovers, turnovers and more turnovers

It was another poor defensive outing for the Sabres. Turnovers were the killer on Monday and the Ducks took advantage of every opportunity the Sabres handed them. Buffalo had eight giveaways on the day to Anaheim's three. Turning the puck over against a team like Anaheim is on the Sabres and less on the Ducks' ability to create chaos.

Rough day for UPL

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been one of the best goalies in the NHL since the start of the new year. Coming into the day he was tied for seventh in the league with a .914 save percentage and has proven to be Buffalo's go-to guy in net. Monday was a different story however; perhaps he was due for a rough game after riding a streak of impressive starts. On 15 shots on net, Luukoknen let in four goals against a bad Ducks team. Not every goal was his fault, but there were a few that he'd surely like back. 

Make way for Jordan Greenway

There was a bright spot Monday, as left winger Jordan Greenway is riding a hot streak as of late. With his goal, he has registered three goals and two assists in his last four games. It has almost been one year since the Sabres acquired Greenway at the trade deadline last season, and within the past month, that move proves to be more and more rewarding for Buffalo’s offense. 

Up next

The Sabres hit the road to take on the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday, a team that sits one spot below them in the division. Picking up two wins there between Montreal and the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday is crucial if Buffalo wants to enter the conversation for making a push toward the playoffs.