Score: Flames 2 | Sabres 3 (SO)
Shots: CGY 26 | BUF 19
Buffalo Sabres Goals:
- Benson (Bryson, Power)
- Thompson (Dahlin, Peterka) (PPG)
- Peterka (SO Winner)
Calgary Flames Goals:
- Coronato (Weegar, Coleman)
- Backlund (Huberdeau, Kuzmenko)
Plus 1: Benson Brings Balance
Zach Benson’s return to the lineup was just what the doctor ordered. He has been able to ignite the second line and balanced out the Sabres forward lines. He notched his second goal in as many games on his first shift of the game. The chemistry he has with Cozens and Quinn is evident every time they are on the ice. Both have had rough starts to the season, particularly Quinn, but they are benefiting from the opportunities Benson creates regularly. This takes the pressure off the top line as they are no longer the only consistent offensive threat. It also allows the third and forth lines to operate as intended. After struggling to find consistency, we are finally seeing what this roster was designed to play like on a regular basis.
Minus 1: Blown Lead
Buffalo struggled to put this one away when they had the chance. There were times in the second period when they seemed to be on the cusp of extending their lead to three and breaking the game open. However, they were not able to do so despite some great offensive opportunities. This gave Calgary the chance to claw their way back. A couple of broken plays ultimately erased the Sabres lead. Particularly in the third period, Buffalo seemed content to sit back and run out the clock. This is rarely a recipe for success, and it cost them late. Hopefully, they don’t make this a recurring strategy in close games. On the bright side, surrendering a loser point to a Western Conference team doesn’t impact the Sabres position in the standings.
Plus 2: UPL Shuts the Door
Buffalo fans have learned to dread heading to shootouts. The organization hasn’t had a goaltender that could preform well in them on a consistent basis since Ryan Miller was traded. UPL struggled early in his career with them as well. He was quick to bite on fakes and opened shooting lanes with excess movement. However, he may have cracked the code. His overall game has calmed down and his movements have become more deliberate. This is especially noticeable in the shootout when most of the time the shooter is trying to make the goalie bite on a fake. He was a perfect 3-0 in the shootout against Calgary. He showed patience in the crease and wasn’t fooled by the Flames’ shooters. Earning points in shootouts can be the difference between making and missing the playoffs. Fortunately, it looks like the Sabres starter will give them a fighting chance.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo had a great start and earned their early lead. There were times where they looked like they were about to take control of the game but ultimately couldn’t. The Flames hung around and found a way to leave Buffalo with a point. With the second line playing better, Buffalo is benefitting from rolling four forward lines. The same cannot be said for the defensemen. Ruff leaned on the top pair of Byram and Dahlin who skated 32 and 28 minutes respectively. Gilbert ended with 6 penalty minutes in only 10 minutes played. Clifton saw his time decline as well (14 minutes). There is a good chance both could be in the stands next game with Jokiharju and Samuelsson likely to get a chance at redemption. The blown lead ultimately didn’t cost them a point in the standings. The Buffalo roller coaster of a season continues as they have won their last three after losing the three prior contests. Hopefully, they can keep the streak going on Monday against the Canadians.