Score: Sabres 4 | Blue Jackets 6
Shots: BUF 25 | CBJ 25
Buffalo Sabres Goals: Ryan McLeod (2), Jiri Kulich (1), Owen Power (2), JJ Peterka (3)
Columbus Blue Jackets Goals: Yegor Chinakhov (2-PP), Kirill Marchenko (2), Adam Fantilli (2), Mathieu Oliver (1), Zachary Aston-Reese (1), Damon Severson (1)
Minus-1: Blue Jackets Strike First
Once again, the Sabres’ special teams failed them as Columbus tallied the first goal of the game…and on the power play, of course. Nearly halfway through the man-advantage for the home team, it was Yegor Chinakhov’s quick wrist shot from the left side that flew past Devon Levi for the early lead. It would also be Buffalo who took another penalty just minutes later following a high stick from Dylan Cozens.
Minus-2: First Period Struggles
The first period was a rough one for the visitors as Buffalo only managed one shot on goal after 12 (!) minutes into the game. There was absolutely no pressure, physicality, or sense of urgency from the Sabres and a majority of the play was in their zone. Unfortunately, this set the tone for the remainder of the game. As a fan, how much more frustrating can it get? Well, the power play so far this year (0/15 coming into this game) is 30th in the league and it certainly showed tonight. It took them over half of their first power play to get a shot on the home team’s net, which was followed by a breakaway opportunity by a pair of Blue Jackets. As they returned to full strength and with just 31.2 seconds left in the opening period, the score read 2-0 when Kirill Marchenko capitalized on an opportunity on Levi’s stick side.
Plus-1: McLeod Gets Us On the Board
The Sabres finally got on the board thanks to a long pass up the middle from Jordan Greenway to Jason Zucker who fed the puck to Ryan McLeod. Some impressive, quick passing by these three allowed Buffalo to cut their deficit in half – if only for a few minutes. This was McLeod’s second goal of the season and in consecutive games.
Plus-2: A Special Night for Kulich!
Tonight marked Jiri Kulich’s first NHL goal/point after he tipped Dylan Cozens’ shot from the point late in the second period to get the Sabres back within one goal. Henri Jokiharju should receive some recognition here, too, after working hard to keep the puck in the Blue Jackets’ zone following a faceoff win.
Final Thoughts
This was a game full of ping pong scoring. Any time the Sabres would score, Columbus would answer back. It just felt like we never had a chance to catch up because not only were we never ahead, we were never within one goal for more than a few minutes. Buffalo came alive and played with desperation in the final minutes of the game, but this was how they should have looked in the first period and beyond, not just the end of the game.
There is still so much that this team needs to work on, but on to the next: Buffalo visits the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday for an 8:00 PM puck drop.
Three Stars:
1. Kirill Marchenko (1G, 1A)
2. Mathieu Oliver (1G, 1A)
3. Damon Severson (1G, +4)