It's been a spiral for the Buffalo Sabres over the last decade or so.
Not having made the playoffs since 2011, and with a bevy of highly elite talent that has gone through the system to find success is vast and wide.
It would seem like this crisis means that the team will be undergoing changes, but according to Frank Seravalli; the owners have full faith in Lindy Ruff and company.
It's been a long time since the days of Daniel Briere, Jason Pominville, and Ryan Miller.
For a team that has such a dedicated fanbase, you'd of been none the wiser as a chorus of "Go Leafs Go" chants rang out through Buffalo's arena.
The team has been atrocious to say the least, often finishing near or at the basement of the NHL and watching as their deep pool of talent find greener pastures and still stuck spinning their wheels.
It's great to see that owner Terry Pegula has faith in the Sabres but that could be in part due to the success of his Buffalo Bills this season, focusing his attenion elsewhere until football season is over.
It would be in his best interest however to try and see how he can improve the team.
Ruff took responsibility for the loss however it ultimately lays on the players to perform and they haven't.
Giving up two separate two goal leads, and letting Toronto score four times in under five minutes would give anyone pause, but it's par for the course for the Sabres; who have lost another game after holding onto a lead.
Toronto has the chance to swoop in and take advantage of the struggling Sabres, and perhaps they can build a package for Dylan Cozens, and if the team is desperate enough for a change; it could be the spark needed.
These are NHL players for a reason, and Ruff being the scapegoat is the unfortunate reality.
It's good that he has the faith in the head coach as fans wonder what's to come next, whether it's more misery or finally a change worth celebrating.