Entering the season, Buffalo fans knew it was going to be a challenge for their hockey team. With the Sabres committed to rebuilding, that could mean a very long year in Western New York. So far, that looks to be the case. After falling at home to the Ducks 5-1 in a special Columbus Day matinee at First Niagara Center, they dropped to 0-3-0. In three games, they’ve been outscored 14-4. Even worse, opponents have outshot Buffalo by a combined 131-57. A statistic resident Sabre blogger Brian Sanborn is tracking.

On a dreary holiday, I figured what better way to spend some time off than to finally check out the Sabres. Losers of two straight, they were only trailing 1-0 nearly halfway through on a Corey Perry power play goal. Anaheim rookie William Karlsson increased the deficit to two when he finished off his first of two from Hampus Lindholm and Jakob Silfververg. Moments later, Josh Gorges delivered a big hit on Patrick Maroon, who exited with an apparent left knee injury. Eventually, Tim Jackman sought retribution by fighting Mike Weber.

So in control were the Ducks that the Sabres rarely had the puck. In fact, puck possession for the second period was roughly 80 percent Anaheim to only 20 percent Buffalo. A damning Corsi statistic that MSG’s Sabres telecast referenced during intermission. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure that out. It was all Anaheim. Seemingly every shift Perry took, he was dangerous. He broke in with only Buffalo goalie Michal Neuvirth stopping him. Peppered in his first start, Neuvirth made several big saves including a highlight reel glove stop to keep his team afloat. If not for him, the score could’ve been much worse. He finished with 39 saves.

An early problem for Buffalo is their third periods. They’ve already been outscored 9-1. In fact, in the first two losses to Columbus and Chicago, they were tied entering the third before getting blitzed. The Jackets put up two to post a 3-1 win while the Blackhawks scored four unanswered to pull away 6-2. For a third consecutive game, the Sabres faced a quality opponent who wore them out. They self destructed. In an 18-second span, Matt Beleskey and Karlsson scored early in the third to make it 4-0.

At least, Tyler Ennis notched his second by finishing off a Matt Moulson feed at the goalmouth to beat Frederik Andersen. Ennis was one of the few bright spots. He has two goals so far and made positive things happen. More than you can say for Cody Hodgson, who narrowly missed with a backhand earlier with plenty of real estate. Top pick Sam Reinhart took 14 shifts getting a shade over 11 minutes. The young center lost all 11 faceoffs. He was far from alone. As a team Buffalo lost 45 of 66 draws. No wonder they had so little puck possession. You wonder if this kind of environment is good for Reinhart’s development.

With 8:35 remaining, Ryan Kesler split the D and was taken down from behind. The end result was a penalty shot which he successfully converted by going five-hole on a helpless Neuvirth for the final margin. With Kesler coming over from Vancouver, the Ducks are loaded. They should challenge in the West and could win the Cup.

For the Sabres, they’re at the opposite end of the spectrum. Even with vet additions Gorges, new captain Brian Gionta and Moulson, it promises to be an uphill battle. This season is more about younger players getting their feet wet. Brian isn’t so certain Ted Nolan is the right fit for the roster. Then again, who is? Ironically, Buffalo was rewarded the 2016 NHL Draft. It’ll be their first time hosting since 1998. With one eye towards 2015 where a top 2 pick could land either Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel, the Sabres will try to improve next time out. Next up is Carolina tomorrow in Raleigh. Might that be the first win? One can only hope.