Phil Housley’s team has been one of the NHL’s biggest surprises. ©2018, Hickling Images

Sabres aim to extend winning streak to four games

BUFFALO – It has been a really long time since the Sabres won four consecutive games. Exactly how long? Try December 2014.

Back then, in the midst of a wretched 23-win, 54-point season, the Sabres suddenly emerged, rattling off four straight victories from Dec. 9 to 15.

Incredibly, the Sabres earned 17 percent of their 2014-15 win total over a seven-day stretch. Shortly after the hot streak, they lost 14 consecutive games in regulation, cementing their status as the NHL’s worst team.

If you’re counting, 307 games have passed since the Sabres last won four straight.

But that dubious run could end Saturday in Columbus. Right now, at 6-4-0, the Sabres are one of the NHL’s biggest surprises. They’ve won three in a row, beating Los Angeles and Anaheim on the road over the weekend before Thursday’s entertaining 4-3 comeback home win against Montreal.

“Coming back off a tough West Coast swing, and coming back into our own building, guys showed resiliency being down three times and finally getting on top and the game winner,” Sabres coach Phil Housley said this afternoon inside KeyBank Center. “So to me, we’re still building and developing players. But at the same time, when you win games, it helps your confidence. It brings the group closer together.”

Check back later for a story on defenseman Jake McCabe, one of the Sabres’ catalysts during the last week.

In other news, Housley said center Jack Eichel and wingers Sam Reinhart and Conor Sheary all had maintenance days from today’s practice inside HarborCenter. Housley expects them all to play against the Blue Jackets.

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