| Buffalo Sabres vs Philadelphia Flyers | ||||
| Team | P1 | P2 | P3 | Total |
 Buffalo Sabres | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
 Philadelphia Flyers | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Current Status: Final | ||||
Score: Flyers 2 | Sabres 4
Shots: PHI 34 | BUF 19
Buffalo Sabres Goals:
- Thompson (Peterka, Tuch)
- Dahlin (Thompson, Tuch)
- Quinn (Benson, Power)
- Quinn (Benson, Cozens)
Philadelphia Flyers Goals:
- Cates (Tippett, York)
- Tippett (Sanheim, Laughton)
Plus 1: Picking on the Rookie
Flyers fans were excited to see how their rookie goaltender Ivan Fedotov would fare in his first start since coming over from Russia last week. Fedotov had some success in his first NHL action after making 21 saves on 23 shots against the Islanders Monday. Unfortunately for the Flyers, Buffalo had other plans.
The Sabres did not generate consistent offense in this game, but they took advantage of the rookie with 4 goals on only 19 shots. Thompson walked around Fedotov for Buffalo’s first goal. Quinn and Dahlin would add nearly identical markers by walking into the high slot and letting it rip over Fedotov’s blocker. Quinn’s 2nd goal was a simple rebound shot that Fedotov was not ready for. The rookie has promise, and put up some good numbers in the KHL, but this was certainly not the first career start he was hoping for.
Plus 2: Welcome Back Jack
After losing most of this season to injuries, Sabre fans may have forgotten how important Jack Quinn can be to the Sabres offense. They were reminded in this one. Quinn’s second period marker would become the game winning goal and his third period insurance goal stymied the Flyers comeback attempt. There seems to be some chemistry developing between Quinn and Benson. Benson notched primary assists on both Quinn goals. With Peterka finding a home on the top line, the Sabres need to identify a quality 2nd line. The next few games will be a test to see if the trio of Cozens-Quinn-Benson can fill that role long term.
Plus 3: So You’re Saying There’s a Chance?
Many left the Sabres playoff chances for dead after a couple disappointing losses to wrap up March. However, this team hasn’t quit, and their Eastern Conference rivals continue to give them an opportunity. Calling the push for the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference a “race” is a little misleading. It more closely resembles a NASCAR race in which every car’s engine blew up, and the drivers had to push their cars across the finish line.
With their loss, the Flyers have now lost their last six (0-4-2), and Buffalo now sits 4 points back with 5 games left. It remains unlikely for Buffalo to claim a playoff spot, but crazier things have happened. If a 4.8 magnitude earthquake can hit New Jersey four days before a solar eclipse, why can’t Buffalo make the playoffs?
Final Thoughts
Buffalo may not have had their best offensive performance, but they took advantage of their opportunities and secured two points. Luukkonen was stellar again with 32 saves and first star honors. The Thompson-Peterka-Tuch line continues to impress, but the Cozens-Quinn-Benson line could be the more impactful development going forward. Secondary scoring has been an issue all season. If the new “Kids Line” can generate consistent offense, Buffalo will be a nightmare to defend. The Sabres still need significant help in the playoff race to make it, but they can help themselves Sunday against the Red Wings.