Darcy Regier thought recently that his Buffalo Sabres squad was in good shape and not likely in need of help before the NHL trade deadline.  The way the team has looked over the last four nights, he may need to seriously reconsider his stance.

Buffalo lost for the third time in four nights Saturday, getting shut out 4-0 by the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets.  Just 24 hours after blowing a third period lead in a home loss to Eastern Conference dweller Carolina, the Sabres couldn’t even must a goal against the Western Conference’s second-worst team.

They’re now on a season long four-game losing streak.

The Sabres still lead the Northeast division by a point over surging Ottawa, who finally saw their winning streak snapped at 11 games with a Saturday loss to Toronto.  But if Buffalo keeps up their uninspiring play they could find themselves in the middle of the pack.. or worst.

Patrick Lalime got the start in net over a tired and recently ineffective Ryan Miller and though he played good at times wasn’t nearly efficient enough.  Columbus got the shut out despite being outshot 28-25.

Tim Connolly had several chances to get on the scoreboard but couldn’t convert on any of his seven shots.  Derek Roy, Jason Pominville and Drew Stafford each threw three shots on net but couldn’t get a puck past Columbus goaltender Steve Mason.

The one thing the Sabres have been consistent at all season is beating the teams they’re supposed to beat.  Losing back to back nights to Carolina and Columbus is a developing habit they better break soon.

Lindy Ruff said he was interested in seeing how the team responded following last night’s loss to Carolina.  He can’t be happy.

Buffalo has three more games to get things in order before the Olympic break commences; Tuesday night at home against Boston before traveling to Carolina on Thursday and finally hosting San Jose Saturday.