Sabres 5, Blues 3: Connolly Helps Lead The Third Period Comeback

After playing a fairly uninspired game Saturday night against the Ottawa Senators, the Sabres came back from a 3-2 deficit to start the third period to defeat the Blues 5-3.  Tim Connolly scored the final two goals in the third period to get the Sabres the win, including a shorthanded goal within the final six minutes.  Mike Grier also was key in the win, scoring two goals as well including the tying goal. 

Patrick Lalime filled in for Ryan Miller, as Miller played Saturday night against the Senators, and had another stellar performance as he faced 35 shots from the Blues, stopping 32.  He made his fair share of outstanding saves including a game saving save on a Blues power play in the third period that directly led to Connolly's shorthanded goal.  For all of the concerns that Sabres fans had with the play of Patrick Lalime, his last three games have been stellar and he is starting to inspire confidence in the fans and his teammates that they can win games while he is in net. 

With all of the concern on the power play this season, it was fairly effecting tonight going one for four and scoring the go ahead goal.  With all of the shifting that Lindy has been doing, trying to get players to rotate and get players out of their comfort zone.  It is seeming to work as the power play has found the back of the net in each of the last two games. The penalty kill has been effective all season and with the shorthanded goal, it will become key for this team to keep up their performance there this season for the team to make the playoffs.

The Sabres head back home to play the Penguins on Tuesday night and then have three days off before they have to face the Thrashers on Friday night.