Shots: FLA 31 | BUF 28
Buffalo Sabres Goals:
- Zucker (Thompson, Peterka) (PPG)
- Dahlin (Power)
Florida Panthers Goals:
- Boqvist (Lundell, Luostarinen)
- Reinhart (Barkov, Verhaeghe) (PPG)
- Verhaeghe (Tkachuk, Bennett)
- Bennett (Schmidt) (PPG)
- Barkov (Reinhart, Forsling)
Minus 1: The Curious Case of Jack Quinn
Jack Quinn showed promise throughout his rookie season but had his sophomore year severely limited by injuries. This season is an opportunity for him to return to form and build upon his prior success. However, he has had an abysmal start to the season. In 9 games, he has one goal, one assist, and is tied for the team worst -4. He looks slower, indecisive, lost defensively, and ineffective in puck battles. The only bright side is that it’s still early in the season, and he has time to return to form. Unfortunately, it might take some time in the press box for him to reset and right the ship.
Plus 1: Hail the Powerplay King
Buffalo may have found the secret ingredient to scoring powerplay goals: find Zucker in front of the net. He now has a powerplay goal in consecutive games which are the only two powerplay goals scored by the Sabres all season. Overall, the unit has looked much better recently than they did to start the season and the goals will come. Zucker is proving to be a worthwhile signing so far. He has a well-rounded game that gives Ruff the flexibility to move him seamlessly between the second and third lines. The ability to finish on the powerplay feels like a welcome bonus from a player some thought was signed a few years too late.
Minus 2: Lack of Dicipline
Despite playing neck and neck with the defending champs most of the night, the Sabres were unable to maintain their composure late. It started with an undisciplined slash by Krebs on Ekblad. However, Greer’s braindead antics after the whistle bailed Buffalo out from a penalty kill situation. This luck did not last when Dahlin smacked Lundell in the face with his stick with about 7 minutes to go. Not only would the Sabres have to go on the kill late while trailing by one, but they would also be without their captain for additional time as Dahlin picked up an extra roughing minor in the ensuing scrum. This was the moment the game slipped out of reach. Bennett scored on the powerplay, and Barkov put the nail in the coffin about a minute later to hand Florida a 3-goal lead with 4:17 left to play. The Panthers are known for getting under their opponent’s skin to bully teams and draw penalties. The Sabres played right into their hands, and it cost Buffalo the game.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo put up a strong effort against one the of the best teams in the league. Zucker’s powerplay goal generated some momentum for the team, and Dahlin’s phenomenal first goal of the season tied the game near its midpoint. This was not enough to overcome their mistakes down the stretch. This was an intense game, and emotions were running high. Buffalo will need to learn how to keep their heads in high pressure situations to be successful this season. As the only team in the Atlantic division with a record under .500, the Sabres will need to have a bounce back performance against the Islanders on Friday to prevent falling behind.