This season has been full of stories and intrigue for the Buffalo Sabres, just not the kinds they were hoping for. And now, after months of injuries, Eichel madness, blown games, angry Ristolainen tweets, and arguments, it was mercifully time to put this season to bed in Tampa Bay.
Buffalo would open the scoring thanks to a wicked shot from Will Carrier, his fifth of the season. His line, along with Evan Rodrigues and Alex Nylander, was one of the lone bright spots on the night. Nylander would record his first career NHL point on Carrier’s goal, hopefully the first of many.
The other bright spot was the play of Linus Ullmark, getting his first NHL start of the season. Ullmark made a number of fantastic saves, including more than a few on Jonathan Drouin, and kept the Sabres in the game as they were heavily outshot all game long. Ullmark made 33 saves on 36 shots, giving him a nice bow to put on his year.
But the game would be dominated for the most part by the Lightning, who would score the game’s next two goals, courtesy of Brayden Point and Barydon Coburn, as well as outshooting the Sabres 27-12 through the first two periods.
However, the Sabres would show some life in the third as Evander Kane scored his 28th of the year thanks to a perfect cross-ice pass from Brian Gionta to the the game at two.
But despite a good effort in the third, it was not to be, as Point would score his second of the game and Victor Hedman would add an empty-netter to give the Lightning the 4-2 win, and close the book on the 2016-17 Buffalo Sabres season.
The offseason starts tomorrow. See you right back here, Sabres fans.
Two Questions
1. Will the Sabres give us anything to cheer for today, or a repeat performance of yesterday?
The Sabres gave their fans a few things to think about during the offseason, including a nice showing from the Carrier-Rodrigues-Nylander line and a very nice showing from Linus Ullmark.
2. Where will the Sabres finish the season in the draft standings?
Detroit won and Buffalo lost, so the Sabres finish 26th in the NHL and right now hold the 6th pick in the 2017 NHL draft, barring any draft lottery shenanigans. With Detroit’s win, the Sabres have also finished in last place in the Atlantic Division.
Comment of the Game
Farewell 2016-17 season
You won’t be missed.
Posted by hatzappar
Ain’t that the truth.