Shots: BUF 26 | VAN 33
Buffalo Sabres Goals:
- Thompson (Kulich)
- Kulich (Peterka, Dahlin)
- Peterka (Dahlin, Kulich)
Vancouver Canucks Goals:
- Di Giuseppe (Soucy, Miller)
- Pettersson (Hughes, Boeser)
Plus 1: Tage Heating Up
With goals in two straight games, it looks as though Tage Thompson has regained his scoring touch. Both goals he scored were very similar. He took wrist shots from the high slot, through traffic and beat goaltenders on their blocker side. While a Tage BombTM may be a better highlight, consistently getting wrist shots through traffic can be a more consistent way to score. The best goalies in the world will struggle with a screened shot. They all count the same on the stat sheet, and Buffalo can use any type of goal at this point.
Plus 2: Timely Faceoffs
With Thompson dealing with an injury that has forced him to the wing, Juri Kulich has seized the opportunity as the first line center. He had a career high 3 points with a goal and two assists against Vancouver. Both assists were products of offensive zone face offs that Kulich won. This is typically an area that young centerman struggle with at the NHL level. While his 45.7% faceoff win percentage is nothing special, winning key faceoffs can be the difference between winning and losing. Two faceoff wins turned into goals seconds later in this game. Hopefully, this is just the beginning for the 20-year-old centerman.
Plus 3: Finished Strong
Some say that a two-goal lead is the worst league in hockey. This year, the Sabres has proven that any lead they hold is the worst lead in hockey. They proved this yet again after surrendering their lead in the second period and falling behind heading into the third. However, they were able to fight back and pull off a successful third period comeback. UPL made some timely saves, and the top line cashed in when it mattered most. For a team that has been on the wrong side of many third period comebacks this season, it’s good to see them earn the victory.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo played a strong game against a quality opponent. They were able to battle back after a rough second period to secure two points. They remain firmly in the Eastern Conference cellar, but they do have a couple positive developments from this game. They responded with a good performance after been challenged by Lindy Ruff with a full morning practice instead of the typical pre-game morning skate. Ruff was unhappy with their performance against Seattle and wanted to send a message. It looks as though the message was received. Also, it looks as though they have found a winning combination of Peterka, Kulich, and Thompson. This newly assembled trio were able to generate enough offense to defeat the Canucks in this one. Hopefully, they continue to find success as the team tries to right the ship.