Final Score: Sabres 5 | Red Wings 1

Shots: Sabres 27 | Red Wings 22

Sabres Goal Scorers: Evan Rodrigues (1, 2), Zemgus Girgensons (8), Zach Bogosian (1), Rasmus Ristolainen (5)

Red Wings Goal Scorers: Madison Bowey (3)

Plus-1: Rodrigues, is That You?

There has been a lot of criticism surrounding Sabres forward Evan Rodrigues this season – between a trade request, lack of ice time, and a bad attitude, it’s no secret why. However, tonight the 26-year-old showed up and finally broke his scoreless streak. In addition to scoring at even strength, Rodrigues also contributed to the Sabres’ first power play in the first period to get the visiting team ahead by two goals early in the game.

Plus-2: Sabres Gain Early Lead

It doesn’t always work in their favor (as exhibited yesterday against Vancouver), but the Sabres earned their spot on the scoreboard first tonight and the Red Wings simply couldn’t catch up. Following the first two goals, Zemgus Girgensons had a nice shorthanded breakaway goal against Jimmy Howard (who, by the way has an embarrassing 4.04 GAA) to make it 3-0. Hey, at least you’re not a Red Wings fan this year.

Following the first three goals, it was time for the defensemen to step in and add to the scoreboard. Zach Bogosian, another trade requester from this year, netted his first goal of the season with some patient puck play after skating in from the point. Fellow blue-liner Rasmus Ristolainen was another player who contributed tonight, with a tough goal in the paint where he established his presence right in front of the net.

Plus-3: RJ’s Sweet, Sweet Voice

Any game we get to hear the play-by-play by none other than fan favorite Rick Jeanneret, is a good game. Let’s just take a beat to appreciate the legend’s 49th season as the Sabres’ announcer and that even though this season isn’t going as fans had hoped, at least we have RJ.

Buffalo will return home on Tuesday, January 14 to face the Las Vegas Golden Knights at 7:00 PM.