The convenient thing to do when your hockey team loses despite scoring three goals is blame your goaltender.  With Robin Lehner on the shelf, the Buffalo Sabres have had to turn to Chad Johnson. He’s had some good games along with a stinker or two.

Last night in Pittsburgh wasn’t the latter. In fact, following the Sabres 4-3 loss Johnson was largely the scapegoat.

Tons of heat fell Johnson’s way via social media in the moments that followed Thursday’s loss.  Again, always blaming the goalie when four go in your own net represents the easy way out.

Often it’s true—but not last night. Let’s take a look, courtesy of NHL.com at all four Pittsburgh goals.  You can make a reputable case that publicly unscathed teammates were equally or more responsible for the pucks that found their way past Johnson.

Goal #1

Johnson makes the stop on a shot by Sidney Crosby. Forward Pascal Dupuis literally forces his way between Sabres center Zegmus Girgensons and defenseman Josh Gorges to poke home the rebound.

Goal #2

Granted, Patric Hornqvist fires a shot far enough out that it’s reasonable to say Johnson could’ve made the stop, but it was the Sabres inability to clear the puck by both Marcus Foligno and Nicolas Deslauriers that led to the unnecessary opportunity. Of the four, this is the one Johnson would most like to have back.

Goal #3

Jack Eichel makes a big mistake shooting the puck wide just as Pittsburgh was coming back to full strength.  Ben Lovejoy picks up the loose puck and the Penguins suddenly have an odd man rush. Lovejoy ends up alone on Johnson, who makes the save before Johnson slams the rebound home.  Sam Reinhart was a stride to slow getting back to allow Lovejoy the second opportunity—one he took advantage of.

Goal #4

Pittsburgh is on the power play.  Johnson makes not one, but two saves in front before Evengi Malkin pokes in a rebound with near a fallen Risto Ristolainen

 

The last thing I’m doing is climbing aboard the Chad Johnson train. I’ve thought from the outset he’s a backup in over his head right now as the starter for the foreseeable future. Having said that, let’s be fair---it’s irresponsible to pin last night’s loss on him.

Defense and poor back checking doomed Buffalo far more than he did.

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