Sabres' high expectations unravel with last-place finish

Buffalo Sabres coach Don Granato gives instructions during the third period of the team's NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh, Saturday, May 8, 2021. The Penguins won 1-0. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Maxime Lagace (31) blocks a shot by Buffalo Sabres' Sam Reinhart (23) during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Saturday, May 8, 2021. The Penguins won 1-0.(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Buffalo Sabres' Drake Caggiula (91) celebrates his second goal of an NHL hockey game during the second period against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh, Thursday, May 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Buffalo Sabres forward Anders Bjork (96) celebrates his goal with forward Sam Reinhart (23) during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders, Tuesday, May 4, 2021, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)