The Buffalo Sabres set a goal this off-season that they would not lose two games in a row. That goal is still a reality after the Sabres shutout the New York Islanders 3-0 at HSBC Arena tonight. Ryan Miller made 24 saves to earn the shutout, Derek Roy scored for the first time this season, Thomas Vanek broke out of his goal scoring slump and the fourth line continues to make their case as the best fourth line in hockey.
Many people, myself included, were anxious to find out how the Sabres would rebound from their 5-0 loss to the Islanders on Saturday night. I think everyone of us came away felling pretty good about where this team is right now.
This game was a complete domination by the Buffalo Sabres. They outshot the Islanders 39-24 in the game and 29-15 through two periods. There was a small section of the third period when the Islanders mounted an attack but the Sabres quickly regained control and sealed it with the fourth line.
The Sabres first two goals were scored on the power play which must be a delight to the Sabres coaching staff. They focused on the power play this week in practice because it was the one part of their game they have not been satisfied with. The two goals tonight gives the team 11 for the season.
Miller Lives the High Life
I know, I know that was pretty cheesy. What else can I say about this guy? He has been so good in so many games, I am running out of ways to talk about him. I'll stop short of saying he had a bad game on Saturday night, but I'm sure he wasn't pleased with his play. Tonight was the complete opposite. He was amazing all night.
I keep talking about how the Sabres had something to prove tonight but not enough was said about Miller. He was looking for revenge tonight and he got it. I'd like to say it was his best game of the season but there have been so many good games I'm not sure it was. Either way it was his second shutout of the season and it it was his ninth win of the season.
Roy Finally Scores
Derek Roy has played well for the Sabres this season but after 11 games he still had no goals. It had to be weighing on his mind until he scored a power play goal tonight. John Vogl predicted he would score on Sabres Edge and his prediction came true early in the night.Sabres Edge: Roy and Vanek
Tonight was the first goal of the season for Roy but he had been playing fairly well for the Sabres. Roy had eight assists and was near the team leaders in points despite his goal drought. Roy has a tendancy to score in bunches so it will be interesting to watch how he does in the next couple of games.
The Best Fourth Line in Hockey?
It's hard to argue the Sabres don't ave the best fourth line in hockey. It was the fourth line that sealed the victory for the Sabres with a hard working goal in the final minutes of the game. Paul Gaustad was given credit for the goal that was initially ruled a no goal until the replay was able to overturn the original call.
Harry Neale Quote of the Game
This was more funny because of who he was talking about as opposed to the actual quote.
"Marty Biron is turning into a goon"
That was said after Biron bumped with Craig Rivet just minutes after he was given a roughing penalty for an exchange with Patrick Kaleta.
Up Next
The Buffalo Sabres stay at home to take on the Philadephia Flyers. The Flyers are considered by many to be the elite team in the Eastern Conference. They will mae their first trip to Buffalo this season. Goalies have not been announced yet but Ray Emery signed with the Flyers in the off-season. Hopefully the Sabres will remind him that he hates Buffalo.