Sabres Extend Winning Streak in a 3-2 Shootout Victory over Islanders
Score: Buffalo Sabres 3-2 SO New York Islanders
Shots: BUF 32-34 NYI
Buffalo Sabres Goals: Dahlin 4th PPG (Lyon) Thompson 18th (Doan, Krebs)
New York Islanders Goals: Barzal 10th (Lee, Holmstrom) Heineman 12th PPG Barzal, Schaefer)
Plus 1: A Vapor Trail!
New York took an early penalty as Matthew Barzal went off for tripping. The Sabres made them pay almost immediately as Rasmus Dahlin scored a tremendous individual effort goal, backhanding it home for a 1-0 lead. The Sabres Captain breezed by everyone end to end, schooling several Islanders along the way. The Sabres then killed a penalty and appeared to score again on the power play but Zach Benson was called for goalie interference. (shocker!) This has plagued the team all year, minor contact that takes a goal off the board. Going to the net and screening the goalie is great but they have to stay out of the blue paint.
Overall a good opening period of hockey for Buffalo, controlling most of the play. They had several high danger chances and outshot New York 13 to 7. The Sabres really had their feet moving for the full 20 minutes. The Islanders found some life late, picking up 3 shots in the final 90 seconds but Alex Lyon was there to make the saves.
Even 1: Gone Streaking
New York had a few good chances early in the 2nd, with a shot off the post and a whiffed rebound by Matthew Barzal. Zach Benson then got a great shot off right in front, with a nice feed from Tage Thompson, but was stopped by the Islanders’ goalie David Rittich. Buffalo had some great passing in this game, with several tape to tape.
Tage Thompson later dangled his way to the net after a nice dish from Josh Doan. TNT went wide but then stuffed the puck behind Rittich, but not in the net. He then reached in between his pads and worked the puck back over the goal line. It was hard to see on any replay as the goalie’s pads shielded the puck but the referee skated right to the net and called it a goal. New York argued the call and thought about a challenge but the goal stood. It was Thompson’s 18th of the season as he matched the longest goal streak of his career with six. Alex Lyon then made several strong saves in a row but after a failed clear, Buffalo gave up a late one. Barzal scored his 10th of the year in the final minute in the typical Sabres’ fashion that we all know and loath. The Islanders late push changed the narrative, turning a feel good 2-0 lead to just a 1 goal game.
Plus 2: Heart of a Lyon
Alex Lyon flashed his glove twice in the early going of the third as New York took the lead in shots. The Sabres then had a good looking power play but were unable to score. Great puck movement got them a shot off the post but nothing more. Buffalo got another man advantage with a puck flipped over the glass but still no dice. The game remained 2-1 with 8 minutes to go. Edge of your seat stuff with the Sabres unable to pad the lead.
It was a nail biter as the clock wound down with both goalies earning their paychecks. The Isles pulled Rittich early, with just under 3 minutes left. The Sabres made it really interesting when Kesselring picked up a penalty with 1:27 left. You know how this story goes… New York tied it with just 28 seconds left as Buffalo was unable to close it out. Frustrating to say the least as to overtime we go.
Lyon made two unbelievabe stops in the extra session, including a breakaway on Barzal. New York carried most of the play. Alex Tuch then took a penalty with 18 seconds left in OT but Buffalo held on, almost scoring shorthanded. That brings us to the much maligned shootout. (#bringbackthetie) Barzal and Jack Quinn traded goals in the first four rounds before Josh Norris ripped one home past Rittich, with some serious authority.
One last chance for the Islanders but Alex Lyon said NO WAY with a great stop. How do you like those Big Apples, New York?
The Sabres win 3-2 in a shootout, the hard way as usual after having a 2-0 lead.
Final Thoughts:
Alex Lyon is on a heater. He stopped 32 shots in this game and saved the Sabres’ bacon in OT. He was outstanding once again. I’m not sure this is the goalie head we want to chop off the 3-headed monster, Jarmo?
The Sabres never make it easy on themselves but a win is a win. It’s unfortunate New York picked up a point but Buffalo marches on to the tune of 5 wins in a row. How sweet it is.
The Sabres are right back at it Sunday evening as they travel to New Jersey to take on the Devils. Game time is at 7pm.