Score: Sabres 5 | Flyers 3
Shots: BUF 31 | PHI 43
Sabres Goals: Sam Reinhart (14), Artuu Ruotsalainen (1), Jeff Skinner (5), Rasmus Asplund (5), Casey Mittelstadt (6)
Flyers Goals: Oskar Lindblom (6), Joel Farabee (15), Shayne Gostisbehere (8)
Observation 1 | Win Number Ten
While Sunday’s win didn’t necessarily do much for the Sabres, it was a big win – in that it was a big loss for the Flyers. A few quick Sabres goals in the second period and a few more late in the third made all the difference for a Philadelphia team that’s fighting to get up into a playoff spot. When Buffalo went into the second period down by a pair of goals, things could’ve easily gone south. Instead, they didn’t back down and fought for the game – and this time, it paid off.
Observation 2 | Ruotsalainen
It’s been great to finally see Artuu Ruotsalainen get a crack at the NHL. His first career NHL goal was a thing of beauty on Sunday afternoon, off an equally great pass from Dylan Cozens. Let’s have another look… and another… and another:
Arttu Ruotsalainen’s first NHL goal just changed the entire game.
Congrats! pic.twitter.com/vgWyVya2nx
— NHL (@NHL) April 11, 2021
Observation 3 | Trade Deadline
Monday is the day: the NHL trade deadline. We’ve already seen one move by the Sabres, as they sent Brandon Montour to the Florida Panthers in exchange for a draft pick on Saturday. Taylor Hall has sat out the last few games as a precaution, but now it’s a matter of time before he’s either moved prior to the deadline — or not.
It’s not as pertinent, but the Sabres are also reportedly looking to re-sign Linus Ullmark soon (which, in my opinion, is good – and should be a priority). I’m not saying it’s going to happen in the next few days, but it’s something to look for down the line.