Buffalo looked lost against one of the best teams in the league
Score: Canucks 3 | Sabres 2
Shots: VAN 34 | BUF 17
Buffalo Sabres Goals: Rasmus Dahlin (16,17)
Vancouver Canucks Goals: Conor Garland (14), Elias Pettersson (32-PP, 33-EN),
Minus 1: Disappointing Start
Following another ineffective power play by the Sabres, the Canucks found some speed at even strength and scored in the first five minutes of the opening period. Conor Garland would be credited with the goal as the puck was jammed in the net after getting wedged under Devon Levi’s right pad. Though Head Coach Don Granato challenged the goal – arguing it was a result of goaltender interference – Buffalo lost the challenge and found themselves on the penalty kill for the first time during the game (but certainly not the last). Both teams continued to ping pong between killing penalties throughout the first period and when the Sabres found themselves with the man advantage, alas, they could not capitalize on the opportunity yet again. As of the conclusion of the first 20 minutes, Buffalo was three for their last 21 on the power play and ranked 26th in the league. The first period was almost entirely dominated by Vancouver and it was truly a win for the Sabres to only be down 1-0 by the first intermission, thanks in large part to Levi’s 14 saves on 15 shots.
Minus 2: Looking For Signs of Life
The Sabres’ disappointing start carried over into the second period as they were still not able to capitalize on the power play and also fell victim to another Canucks goal – this time on their power play – to widen the home team’s lead to two goals. Levi had the initial save, but could not snag the rebound as Elias Pettersson’s quick backhanded shot delivered the puck to the back of the net. In the minutes that followed, Buffalo looked completely lost defensively and the offensive pressure seldom left their zone. In fact, the Sabres accumulated a mere 10 shots on goal after two periods. Woof.
Plus 1: We Scored!
In the words of Dan Dunleavy, Rasmus Dahlin “took it upon himself” to get the scoring going for Buffalo and it was about time. It was Owen Power who fed the puck the Dahlin, but the Swedish defenseman waltzed right between some Vancouver defenders to get the job done with a quick backhand. Any guesses on who scored the second and final goal for Buffalo? Yep, it was Dahlin again, since no one else took it upon themselves. Unfortunately, it would end up being the same old story: too little too late (which, incidentally, is the story of both last season and this current one).
Final Thoughts
Matt Ellis, how do you still work here?