Score: BUF 2 | SEA 5
Shots: Sabres 21 | Kraken 38
Buffalo Sabres Goals: Tage Thompson (3), Kyle Okposo (3)
Seattle Kraken Goals: Morgan Geekie (2), Jordan Eberle (3, 4, 5), Jaden Schwartz (2, EN)
Minus-1: Sabres, Your Powerplay, Woof
In their first man-advantage of the game, the Sabres looked rough as the Kraken put on the pressure with more than enough breakaways and shots while shorthanded. Dustin Tokarski bailed his team out of what could have easily been a quick three-goal deficit to keep Buffalo alive heading into the second period – down by just one goal. After their disappointing loss against San Jose, Buffalo did not enter the game nearly as aggressive and organized as they should have.
In the final minutes of the second period, the Sabres still struggled on another powerplay, but after some quick puck movement (finally!), Kyle Okposo gave Buffalo their first lead of the game with a nice wrister. Unfortunately, some sloppy play at the other end of the ice seconds later resulted in a Jordan Eberle goal and a 2-2 tie going into the final intermission of the game.
Minus-2: Eberle Hat Trick
Adding salt to the wound, Seattle’s Jordan Eberle was the clear offensive star of the game with a home ice hat trick. The veteran snuck in his third goal of the game and fifth goal of the season under the legs of Tokarski after a turnover by Will Butcher. This was Eberle’s fourth career hat trick.
Plus-1: “Tage to the Cage” With a Little Help
Asplund helped Tage Thompson and his teammates get on the scoreboard with his third assist in a five-game streak of points. Thompson’s goal had potential to be a turning point for the Sabres after a dismal first period, but Seattle challenged Buffalo throughout the remainder of the game in front of a packed arena and was ultimately the better team after 60 minutes.
Final Thoughts & Notes
- The Sabres need to clean up their powerplay…fast. They gave up at least three short-handed breakaways during this game.
- Buffalo has been taking way too many penalties this season. This was especially careless at the end of a tiring road trip.
- Dustin Tokarski may have been the best defensive player of the night. With that said, someone please help Rasmus Dahlin.
- There were a lot of scrappy scuffles throughout the game. It was great to see some spark back in the Sabres, who have struggled with opponents walking (er, skating) all over them during the last few years.
- The Sabres return home for their next game against the Red Wings this Saturday, November 6 at 7:00 PM./