The Buffalo Sabres are slowly moving up the NHL food chain, going from horrible losses to close losses to shootout losses, as they fell to the New Jersey Devils in the skills competition 2-1.
The Sabres were down early thanks to a Patrick Elias goal that would stand until midway through the third period, when Tyler Ennis would tie things up. However, the Sabres shootout magic seemed to have vanished with the departure of Jhonas Enroth, as Michal Neuvirth couldn’t make a save and none of the Sabres could find the back of the net.
Neuvirth played well – shootout aside – making 34 saves in the loss, though he still hasn’t won a game for Buffalo since November.
Zach Bogosian was leaned on even more heavily in his second game, playing over 29 minutes, though he “only” managed four shots. The Sabres in total put 25 shots on net, with eight of those coming in the final period and overtime.
The loss keeps the Sabres six points behind the Edmonton Oilers for 30th place.
Two Questions
1. Which Gionta brother will win the night?
Considering neither of them were involved in any scoring, we’ll give the win to Stephen for the team victory.
2. How many shots total will be taken in tonight’s game?
I am astounded that there were 60 total shots last night, 35 by New Jersey and 25 by Buffalo.
Comment of the Game
Welp
Good game by Neuvirth. Too bad he didn’t inherit Miller or Enroth’s amazing shootout skills.