In that win over Columbus, the Sabres managed to tighten up the defensive inconsistencies that had plagued them in four consecutive regulation losses. When possession changed in the offensive zone, Housley felt his team got back with urgency and eliminated time and space for the Blue Jackets.
It resulted in the Sabres being able to protect a 1-0 lead for two periods before going on to win 3-1 in the third.
"We used those examples today in our meeting, what it takes to win in this league," Housley said. "The guys, I thought, really came back hard."
Buffalo currently sits in last place in the Eastern Conference with 38 games remaining. In spite of their place in the standings, Housley said their goal from here on out is to prove their ability to win games against playoff-caliber teams.
The Sabres' next two opponents, the New York Rangers and the Dallas Stars, currently hold the top wild card spots in their respective conferences.
"We're playing a lot of teams down the stretch that are in the playoffs or in playoff contention, and that's our challenge," Housley said. "See how we measure day in and day out against really good teams. Columbus was a good example.
" … You see where those teams are and you watch them and realize that it's tough to win. That's our challenge moving forward."
Individuals, too, feel they have something to prove. Kyle Okposo admittedly struggled at times to begin this season, but scored nine points (4+5) in eight games entering the bye and was and was one of the team's defensive standouts against Columbus.
"I really want to get back at a level that I know I'm capable of, being an elite player," he said. "I feel like it's been a trying year for me mentally, but there's some things I really liked about my game in the last 20, I'm really looking forward to just keep getting better.
" … You come to work and you want to be at your best, you want to prove to yourself and prove to everybody that you still have it, you're a good player. I think that we all should take that into consideration."