Score: Coyotes 5 | Sabres 2
Shots: BUF-27 | ARZ-31
Sabres Goals: Jeff Skinner and Marcus Johansson
Coyotes Goals: Jordan Oesterle, Phil Kessel, Clayton Keller (2), and Oliver Ekman-Larsson (ENG)
Minus 1 – Meaningful March Games
Remember when Jason Botterill spoke earlier in the week after the trade deadline about his team getting the experience of playing meaningful games in March? Well, they never made it to March.
The Sabres woke up this morning 12 points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Atlantic Division with 17 games remaining. They’re actually closer to the Columbus Blue Jackets now (10 points back) in the wild card race.
Minus 2 – Uninspiring Effort
The Sabres had a decent first period and jumped out to a two goal lead after 20 minutes. Unfortunately, they decided to stop playing after that. The Coyotes scored two goals in 55 second to open the second period and never looked back. With their season essentially on the line they managed only nine shot attempts in the third period when they were down a goal. Arizona would add two more goals in that period to cruise to the win.
Minus 3 – Olofsson Down Again
If the outcome wasn’t bad enough, it looks like they lost Victor Olofsson again. The Sabres scoring winger looked like he may have re-aggravated his ankle injury. He took a hit along the boards and hobbled off of the ice early in the second period. We’ll see what update the team shares in the next day or two.
Plus 1 – Skinner found his scoring touch
Jeff Skinner continues to play well for the team. He scored his third goal in the last five games. He also saw some time with Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart after Olofsson left the game.