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Boston Bruins Stop Sabres’ Three Game Season Opening Winning Streak

Score: Bruins 4, Sabres 1

Shots: BUF: 36 BOS: 26

Buffalo Sabres Goals: Victor Olofsson (1)

Boston Bruins Goals: David Pastrnak: (1), Tomas Nosek (1), Charlie Coyle (1), Taylor Hall (1)

Plus 1: Sabres Don’t Give Up

The Bruins took control of the game early with two goals in the first period, but the Sabres kept working to create chances in front of the Bruins’ net. With 36 shots on goal compared to Boston’s 26, the Sabres didn’t fall short because of lack of trying.

It’s clear that coach Don Granato’s insistence on playing 60 minutes of hockey instead of 20 or 40, like past Buffalo teams, shows the Sabres will battle on the ice whether they’re ahead or behind. This is something Sabres fans haven’t seen in a while, and it’s a refreshing change. Victor Olofsson scored the lone Sabres goal in the 3rd period to deny former Buffalo goaltender Linus Ullmark a shutout.

Minus 1: Bruins Take Advantage of Their Opportunities, Sabres Don’t Capitalize on Theirs

Boston scored early in the first period with a David Pastrnak goal. With four minutes left in the period, Thomas Nosek scored again to make it 2-0 Bruins. Less than a minute later, Erik Haula slashed Drake Caggiula, but sloppy puck control let the Marchand- Bergeron-Pastrnak line play the puck in the Sabres’ zone shorthanded and Buffalo failed to score on a crucial power play opportunity. John Moore high sticked Dylan Cozens late in the 1st and the Sabres once again fell short.

Buffalo would ultimately squander four power play chances, including a 6-4 man advantage at the end of the 3rd period. Too many turnovers, combined with poor puck possession, doomed the Sabres’ efforts. Missing three key players – Mittlestadt, Jokiharju and Eakin- didn’t help, but is still no excuse for only scoring one goal.

Final Thoughts

The Buffalo Sabres are only down one game in the loss column. However, the team has to work on puck control, especially during power play opportunities. The Sabres let the Bruins take the puck away from them too many times when the home team had the man advantage.

The players have shown a stronger consistent work ethic that previous Sabres teams have lacked, but in this matchup, former Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark stopped 35 of 36 shots.

The Buffalo Sabres go on the road to play the New Jersey Devils 10/23 at 7pm.