It was only the second game of the season, but Dan Bylsma knew the Sabres had a chance to make a statement. They made one.
The statement was, “We’re not quite ready for prime time.”
With their unfamiliarity with each other obvious, the Sabres remained winless with a 4-1 loss to Tampa Bay on Saturday. Whether it was being out of position, passing up shots or simply not knowing what to do, Buffalo couldn’t stay with a team that advanced to the Stanley Cup finals last season.
It’s a situation that could linger until the Sabres learn how to win with new teammates in Bylsma’s new system.