Score: Sabres 3, Islanders 4
Shots: BUF: 36 | NYI: 35
Buffalo Sabres Goals: Dylan Cozens (1), Jason Zucker (3), Owen Power (3)
New York Islanders Goals: Bo Horvat (4), Maxim Tsyplakov (2), Kyle Palmieri (5), JG Pageau (2)
Plus 1: On the Offense
A couple high points to mention from Friday night’s game. First off, Dylan Cozens finally got on the board after being moved to the wing. It’s good to see him finally score his first of the season, and hopefully this will be the start of something good.
And how about Jason Zucker? Moments after missing a penalty shot attempt, Zucker went ahead and scored his third of the season, and first at even-strength for Buffalo. He really gave a lot in this one, as the goal finished off the Gordie Howe hat trick for him. He assisted on Cozens’ game-opener and dropped the gloves with Oliver Wahlstrom later. The Zucker signing looks like a great one early on in the season.
Lastly, we’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Tage Thompson, who is having a fantastic season so far. Thompson had one assist Friday night, which extends his point streak to eight games, a career-high.
Bowen Byram also had two assists.
Minus 1: A Should’ve Won Game
The Sabres should’ve won this game, and certainly shouldn’t have allowed the Isles to pick up four goals. A team that is averaging 2.10 goals-for per game this season, and came into Friday night missing their leading scorer, should not have been able to score four times. (Mat Barzal headed back to Long Island with an injury. His timetable is unknown.) They were also down to four defensemen at the end of the game, and though the Sabres did give it a good final push at the end, it was too little, too late.
Final Thoughts
First off, positive thoughts for Mike Reilly. Reilly took a clean hit from Jordan Greenway and went down awkwardly; the stretcher was brought out for him, but he was able to get up and head off the ice under his own power – certainly a relief. Props to the officials for reviewing the play and Greenway’s penalty, ultimately determining (rightfully) that there was no penalty.
The Sabres will have very little time to dwell or reflect on Friday’s loss, with a quick turnaround before Saturday’s 7 pm game in Detroit. This was another disappointing loss, against an extremely shorthanded team. Then again… are we really that surprised?
On the plus side, big props to the Rochester Americans, wwho beat divisional rival Utica by a score of 8-1 on Friday night. After the Comets struck first, the Amerks absolutely blasted them out of the park. Anton Wahlberg scored two goals, while Brett Murray and Jack Rathbone each had a goal and an assist.
Isak Rosen, Tyson Kozak, Brendan Warren and Konsta Helenius also scored. Lukas Rousek, Mason Jobst and Viktor Neuchev each had a pair of assists. Felix Sandstrom stopped 18 of 19 shots faced.
The Amerks and Comets meet for the rematch Saturday night at 7 pm. Utica is now 0-8 on the season.