Final Score: Sabres 4 | Predators 3
Shots on Goal: Sabres 32 | Predators 39
Sabres Goal Scorers: Jimmy Vesey, Jack Eichel (2), Victor Olofsson
Predators Goal Scorers: Matt Duchene, Colton Sissons, Ryan Johansen
Plus 1: Big D
Rasmus Dahlin returned on Thursday night for his first game since November 25. He skated as one of seven D, and the blueliners made a significant impact overall. Buffalo’s defenders combined for five points, including assists from Colin Miller, Henri Jokiharju, Dahlin, Brandon Montour and Rasmus Ristolainen. In his return, Dahlin recorded one point and played 15:20; he also had one hit, one giveaway and one blocked shot.
Plus 1: Jack is on fire.
Captain Jack Eichel scored twice in Thursday’s game. He now has 22 goals and is second in the league in that category. Eichel is now on a 15-game point streak, and it’s simply a treat to watch.
Jack Eichel scores another incredible goal
2-2 pic.twitter.com/BEje8BPY42— Ben Mathewson (@Ben_Mathewson) December 13, 2019
Plus 1: A Big Win
Thursday’s win not only extended the Sabres’ winning streak to three games; it was also Buffalo’s first home win against the Predators since February 27, 2008. Jack Eichel was 11 years old.
Eichel finished Thursday night’s game as a plus-2; so did Sam Reinhart, Jake McCabe and Olofsson. Kyle Okposo led all Sabres with six shots on goal; only Roman Josi (7) had more in the game as a whole. It’s the first time Buffalo has won three straight since October.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Thursday’s game was a good – and very much-needed – win for the Sabres. After facing a slew of Western Conference opponents, the Sabres’ next three games – and seven of their next eight – are against Eastern Conference foes. They’ll travel to face the Islanders (Saturday, 1 pm), Leafs (Tuesday, 7 pm) and Flyers (Thursday, 7 pm) before returning home to host the Kings next Saturday.