The Buffalo Sabres have played two games this season against the Anaheim Ducks, and have lost by a combined score of 9-2. However, tonight’s game actually found the Sabres with a chance to win the game late in the third period, despite the ultimate result of a 4-1 loss.
Tyler Ennis scored with just over five minutes left in the third to bring the Sabres within one, but two quick Corey Perry goals a few minutes later would seal Buffalo’s fate. Perry finished with a hat trick, while Ryan Kesler added the fourth, while Ennis scored the Sabres lone tally. The goal sheet itself was a stark reminder of the talent gap between the two teams.
The story of the game for the Sabres will ultimately be missed opportunities. They came out with a surprisingly strong opening period, and came away an inch too short on multiple occasions. Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen made a few saves with what seemed like the toe of his skate, and got a bit of help from the Sabres old friend Post.
In Buffalo’s net, Michal Neuvirth played a solid game, up until the last five minutes. Neuvirth made 30 saves on 33 shots, but was never saw Perry’s second goal that put the Ducks up two and would ultimately be the nail in the Sabres coffin. Jhonas Enroth should get his own chance tomorrow night against the Kings.
If you stayed up to watch the whole game (or live in a non-Eastern time zone) give us your thoughts in the comments, and check out the highlights below.
Three Questions
1. Last time these two teams played, the Sabres were outshot 17-3 in the first period. Will things be any different tonight?
The first period tonight was a much better effort than what we’ve seen from the Sabres in recent weeks. Though they were still outshot 8-5, they had three great scoring chances and applied some serious pressure to Anaheim – the kind they usually wait until the third period to apply. It was a step in the right direction, even if that step wasn’t quite big enough.
2. Will the Sabres score a single goal? And will it come from someone in the top six?
Yes and yes, though Tyler Ennis remains one of only four players on the Sabres to have fond the back of the net, as he scored his team-leading third goal midway through the third period. The lack of offense remains a serious concern for Buffalo, who may not win another game all year if they can’t score more than one goal.
3. After some time watching from the press box, will Sam Reinhart look a bit more comfortable tonight?
Reinhart and the fourth line played a solid game tonight, though it didn’t result in much for the Sabres. The rookie got almost ten minutes of ice time, and finished in the top ten on the team in Corsi tonight. He created a few nice chances with some nifty passing, but unfortunately his linemates were Cody McCormick and Nic Deslauriers.
Comment of the Game
Golden advertising opportunity
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And right on cue, AcesNines found the perfect sponsor.