Buffalo scored five times on fourteen shots as they held off an inept Philadelphia side
Shots: PHI 22 | BUF 14
Buffalo Sabres Goals:
- Dahlin (Doan, Thompson) (PP)
- Samuelsson (Ostlund, Doan)
- Quinn (McLeod, Benson)
- Dahlin (Norris, Thompson) (PP)
- McLeod (Tuch) (SH) (EN)
Philadelphia Flyers Goals:
- Tippett (Cates)
- Zegras (Konecny, Tippett) (PP)
Final Thoughts
Quality over quantity was the name of the game in this one. Buffalo scored on 35% of their shots to defeat the Flyers. Rick Tocchet pulled his starter Vladar after the first, but Ersson didn’t fare much better. Both goalies yielded two goals against and had a combined save percentage below .700.
Dahlin collected two powerplay goals with nearly identical rips from the point, Samuelsson buried a 2-on-1 rush chance, Quinn caught the Flyers puck watching for a one-timer in the low slot, and McLeod iced the game with an empty netter. The powerplay goals are particularly encouraging as that aspect of the game has been a weak link in the Sabres game.
With Zucker back in front, Dahlin’s point shots are significantly more dangerous. Samuelsson’s goal gives him 8 on the year which exceeds the 7 career goals he had entering this season.
UPL turned in another quality performance. He only faced 22 shots, but he made saves when he had to. He had an outstanding glove save on a backdoor chance in the first. This is the kind of goaltending that Buffalo will need down the stretch to keep pace in the Eastern Conference.
As of today, the Sabres are in the 1st wildcard spot and have the 5th best points percentage in their conference. They play again tonight against Montreal on their 05-06 team reunion night. It’s a huge divisional matchup on a night the building should be rocking. This should be fun!