3 Takeaways From Avalanche’s 3-1 Win Over Sabres
The Colorado Avalanche have gotten off to a much better start this season compared to last, even if they lost to the Dallas Stars 5-4 in a shootout the last time we saw them. Even still, they had strong efforts against the Utah Mammoth and Los Angeles Kings, making them the unquestioned favorites heading into a Monday matinée matchup with the Buffalo Sabres.
Though they didn’t put in their best effort, the Avalanche easily walked away with the victory on Monday. Let’s get into the most important takeaways from the Avalanche’s 3-1 win over the Sabres in Buffalo.
The Avalanche Comfortably Won Despite Sleepwalking Throughout
Expecting a team to give an A+ effort for 82 games is not realistic. Even the best teams in the league have nights where they just don’t look fully invested. This was one of those games. Thankfully, it came against the worst team in the NHL, where mistakes are more forgiving.
Things were never in doubt, even before Cale Makar scored to make it 2-1 in the second period. The Avalanche were simply too good and talented to let a team like the Sabres gain the advantage, which became apparent almost from the opening faceoff.
That said, Scott Wedgewood had to be good, especially in the first period. One errant play here or there and the momentum could have looked a lot different. Thankfully, he held strong just long enough for the Avalanche to find their footing and blow the game open.
Nathan MacKinnon Is on Another Level
Part of the reason the Avalanche blew the doors open is because they have one of the best players in the league in Nathan MacKinnon. MacKinnon never sleepwalks through games, and he was the difference-maker in what was otherwise a blasé Monday afternoon game.
The play he made to corral the puck on a pass from Martin Necas in the first period, eventually leading to a backhand goal, cannot be talked about enough. In the second period, he casually undressed Sabres defenseman Owen Power en route to his second goal of the game.
MacKinnon is simply on another level from virtually everyone in the league. Even when the Avalanche were far from their best, MacKinnon was there to take the lead. Avalanche fans have been blessed to watch some special players throughout the years, but MacKinnon may wind up being the best of the bunch.
Good Teams Win Even When They Aren’t at Their Best
The Avalanche are such a good team that it can be easy to not notice that they are having an off day. That’s what makes them a good team, after all. They have been more active and explosive but didn’t need to be against an inferior opponent.
That’s because they have the experience, discipline, and talent to overcome mistakes to a certain level. It doesn’t hurt that they have arguably the best backup goaltender in the league playing lights out right now.
Coming off an emotional, intense game against the Stars, it feels natural that the Avalanche would go through the motions against a team like the Sabres. It’s also nice to know that even with their foot off the gas, they are still better than most of the NHL.
On to the Next One
What else can you really say about an easy Monday afternoon win in Buffalo? The Avalanche are on to the next one, a Thursday night trip to see Columbus and the plucky Blue Jackets. From there, the Avalanche bounce between home and the road for a bit.
For the Avalanche, taking care of business each night is the goal. In a hyper-competitive division like the Central, with teams like the Stars and Winnipeg Jets, there is no margin for error. The Avalanche need to treat each game with the importance that they deserve.
Jared Goff’s Shocking Touchdown Call Back: Was It a Referee Conspiracy or a Big Mistake?
What should have been a dream start for the Detroit Lions quickly spiraled into confusion and frustration on Sunday Night Football. Jared Goff’s apparent touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs was nullified after a shocking call that has left everyone, from players to fans, scratching their heads.
The Lions were on fire in the first quarter, marching down the field with ease against the Chiefs. But on a crucial fourth-and-goal, Goff and the Lions pulled out all the stops. Goff motioned out, the ball was snapped to David Montgomery, who handed it off to Goff, who fumbled before finally securing it and diving into the end zone.
It looked like a perfectly executed play — but, much to the dismay of everyone in Detroit, the referees had other plans. After a lengthy discussion, the officials threw a penalty flag, calling Goff's motion illegal and nullifying the touchdown. Instead, the Lions settled for a field goal, leaving fans wondering what had just happened.
Goff, clearly shocked by the call, explained after the game, “I thought I did everything right on that play. My hands weren’t under center, but I was set, and I didn’t think that would be an issue. The whole situation is confusing to me, and I know the guys and the coaches are just as lost as I am on this one. If that’s the rule, then I guess we all need to look into it more.”
The confusion didn’t stop there. Head coach Dan Campbell also chimed in, revealing the chaotic nature of the call. “I know the call came from New York. They said Goff never stopped and that he stayed in motion. He can't stay in motion,"
So, who’s telling the truth? Was the ruling made entirely by on-field officials, or was there outside interference? The inconsistency of the officiating only raises more questions, especially when you consider that the Chiefs ended the game with
With the game slipping away, Goff and Campbell both felt the sting of what many believed was a game-changing moment. The loss seemed to follow a chain of mental mistakes after the controversial call, and while Campbell tried to downplay its impact, it’s clear that the overturned touchdown shifted the momentum in favor of the Chiefs.
Fans are outraged, and with good reason. The lack of clarity around the call has left everyone from the coaching staff to the players in a state of disbelief. Was it just an honest mistake? Or was there something fishy going on behind the scenes? One thing is certain — this call will be debated for weeks to come, and the Lions will be left wondering what could have been.
As for the NFL’s officiating, it might be time for a serious look into how these calls are being made. If anything, the Lions and their fans have learned one painful lesson: in the NFL, even the most obvious touchdowns can be taken away with just a little confusion and a lot of questions.
