BUFFALO, New York. (WKBW) – Buffalo Sabers head coach Lindy Ruff and his guys knew they gave up too many easy chances to the New York Islanders tonight in their 4-3 loss at KeyBank Center.

Here are some reactions from players and Ruff.

Jason Zucker: “Too many mental fouls and we were down by two goals and against a team like that that plays a stingy defense with a big D core, it’s hard to create offense. So if you keep giving them a two-goal lead , it will be difficult to come back.”

Dylan Cozens: “We’ll definitely watch the video and see what we did wrong because we gave up too much. And that’s something we talked about in the losses, you don’t give up. We had too many breakdowns today ‘today and gave way to them too many looks.

Lindy Ruff: “I have to get our guys in the mentality that even after we score a goal, the next change is so important for momentum for us or for them. And we gave them momentum.”

Tibbetts : Zucker continues to put together a good series of performances despite the team’s inconsistency.

Jason Zucker was also credited with an assist on Cozens’ goal. In his last eight games, including tonight, Zucker has scored eight points (2+6), including one point in each of his last four games (2+2).

– Buffalo Sabers Public Relations (@SabresPR) November 1, 2024

Jason Zucker’s goal gives him two points in tonight’s match (1+1). This is his second multipoint performance of the season (October 16 in Pittsburgh; 0+2) and the 75th of his career.

– Buffalo Sabers Public Relations (@SabresPR) November 2, 2024

Zucker has scored a goal in three straight games and his goal tonight gives him his longest scoring streak since he scored at least one goal in four straight games from March 7-12, 2023 (5+0) with Pittsburgh .

– Buffalo Sabers Public Relations (@SabresPR) November 2, 2024

These are just a glimpse of what Buffalo has gotten all season long from Zucker, who also revived a stagnant group late in the second half when he and New York’s Oliver Wahlstrom confronted. His teammates appreciated it, as did Sabers fans who needed something to cheer about.

Zucker’s veteran presence and his decision to try to motivate his guys even earned praise from Ruff in the postgame press conference.

Following : Buffalo hits the road to face Detroit on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. EST.