The Blackhawks can learn from example and "control our effort" against Sabres

The Chicago Blackhawks are entering their third game of the season against the Buffalo Sabres tonight (Oct. 3).

This is a big game for them after starting off the season 0-2, and as defenseman Ian Cole said after the game against the Utah Mammoth on Oct. 1," We understand that we need to right this ship right away."

This matchup brings up a good reminder and also a chance to for them to bounce back.

Here are two things that stood out from the pregame media availability.

The Blackhawks are seeking a better effort

Patrick Kane is one of the storylines in this game, because Buffalo is his hometown, and he has done well against them in his career, with 39 points and being a plus-10 in 34 games.

Kane is also one to watch, because with this being his 20th NHL season, losing streaks or slow starts are not new to him. Therefore, he knows exactly what is expected of his team going into the Sabres game after their 6-0 loss to the Mammoth.

"I think just kind of talking about it today, the one thing we can control is just how we compete, right? And that's the biggest thing going forward. We can't have an effort like that again. If we compete hard and lose and make mistakes and [are] trying to do the right things, so be it. It is what it is. But I think our effort just, you know, obviously wasn't there for the game.

"And even in Vegas, I mean, we didn't have a great start, but I thought our effort was there; coming back, trying to get into the game. We kind of took it to him in the third period. So, seemed like we had something rolling there, but just control our effort tonight, and like we've been saying, it's two games, right? I mean, you go on a two-game losing streak in the middle of January, no one really pays any attention to it or thinks about it too much. So just try to get in the win column tonight."

Buffalo made it to the second round of the playoffs last season, and the Blackhawks did not do well the last time they were in Buffalo, losing 9-3 in November.

But it's a new season, and therefore, it's a brand new ballgame... (or hockey game!)

Unfortunately, Bowen Byram won't be able to play in his first return to Buffalo due to a family matter, per head coach Jeff Blashill. So, the defense pairings will look different with Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro in, while Sam Rinzel is the healthy scratch. Those are notable lineup changes.

But as Kane said, if they put forth a good effort, they can put themselves in a good position.

It's a must.

What the Blackhawks can take away from the Sabres

You can look at the Blackhawks and try to draw similarities to the San Jose Sharks or other rebuilding team's, but another one could be the Sabres.

The Sabres broke their 14-year playoff drought last season. So, they are a good example for the Blackhawks to follow.

Jordan Greenway is also making his first return to Buffalo after being acquired with Byram. Even though the Blackhawks and Sabres are different, he can see similarities between the two.

He said on Oct. 3, reflecting on helping build the Sabres up to a playoff team, and knowing the Blackhawks are aiming for that, "Yeah, for sure, right? These guys (Blackhawks), like you said, obviously are trying to get in the playoffs just like we were the past couple years, and so yeah, there's a lot of similarities. These guys have a really good group of talent. You know, (the) organization (is) obviously looking to get in the playoffs and win, and so yeah, definitely similar situations for sure."

The Blackhawks are facing another tough matchup, but if they can put together an improved performance against a solid Sabres team, that would be a step forward.

It would also give them a good chance to get the two points they are seeking.

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