For the Buffalo Sabres, a team looking to finish in last place, every victory comes with a price, but last night’s price was especially high.
The Sabres earned a 4-2 victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets, but finishes the game without both Zemgus Girgensons and Tyler Ennis, who left the game with lower body injuries. Girgensons’ injury could be serious, Ted Nolan fears, saying, “It doesn’t look very good,” while Ennis’ is more of the “wear and tear” variety.
Despite the injuries, the Sabres still earned a well-deserved 4-2 win, thanks to the goaltenders for both teams. Columbus goalie Anton Forsberg was an absolute trainwreck in net, allowing two soft goals and completely misplaying a shorthanded breakaway that gave Zemgus Girgensons his goal.
Meanwhile, Sabres goalie Michal Neuvirth’s hot streak continued. Neuvirth stopped 45 of 47 Blue Jacket shots to earn the game’s first star and his second victory in his last four starts.
The Sabres goals came from Cody Hodgson, Girgensons (shorthanded), Mark Pysyk, who blocked four shots and was a +3, and Chris Stewart on the power play. Stewart’s goal makes his the third Sabres player to crack double-digit goals.
Luckily for the Sabres, the Oilers also won last night, so Buffalo is still five points up on Edmonton.
Two Questions
1. Will Zadorov return to the lineup, or have to wait?
Zadorov sat for the second straight game, and with the Sabres playing so well, there’s a chance he might sit for a third if Ted Nolan doesn’t want to mess with his lineup.
2. When will Michal Neuvirth’s hot streak end?
Not last night. Neuvirth’s .950+ save percentage is still intact, and while he’ll certainly come back to earth at some point, it looks like Ted Nolan will ride him until the fall begins.
Comment of the Game
We were -60 in the 5-2 win in Columbus last year
Pretty damn impressive/depressing