from Mike Harrnington of the Buffalo News,

Unless something wholly unexpected happens in the next few weeks, it's readily apparent this club isn't going to the playoffs for the eighth straight season.

Coach Phil Housley said Friday night his team played "soft" and no one in KeyBank Center would disagree. Called out by their coach after a putrid loss to the New York Rangers, the response the Sabres would offer was the overriding theme of Sunday's game in Prudential Center.

Well, the Sabres made it clear what they're made of.

Sunday's 4-1 loss to the Devils was hardly a disgraceful performance. The Sabres had a 35-24 advantage in shots on goal and had 21 more attempts. They had the puck a lot. They just didn't do enough with it. They didn't defend at key times either.

While the standings show the Sabres are six points out of a playoff spot with 24 games left, the reality paints a much harsher picture. It's widely known that it's two months and counting since the Sabres have won a measly two games in a row.

But get this: Since Jan. 1, the Sabres are 7-10-1 -- and tied with Ottawa for the fewest number of points in the Eastern Conference. Over that stretch, they're 22nd in the NHL in goals for (52) and 23rd in goals against (66).

read on