For the second straight game, the Buffalo Sabres went in to the third period trailing their opponents. For the second straight game, the Sabres put forth a valiant third period effort and scored two goals. But this time, it wasn’t quite enough as the Sabres lost to the Detroit Red Wings, 3-2.
The Wings actually went in to the final minutes with a 3-0 lead thanks to one goal in each period – first from Dylan Larkin, second from Riley Sheehan, and third from Luke Glendening. With three minutes to go, the Sabres finally got on the board thanks to goals from Zemgus Girgensons and a beauty from Sam Reinhart.
But it just wasn’t enough. The Sabres really dug themselves a hole in this one, not just with the three unanswered goals they allowed, but with the fact that the Sabres got only nine shots on goal in the first two periods combined. They also gave Detroit five power plays, one of which led to a goal, and couldn’t take advantage of any of their three power play chances.
Dan Bylsma said it best when he said, “I liked the way we threw it all out there at the end, but it’s a lot too little and a lot too late.”
The Sabres don’t have long to figure out how to turn things around, as they face the Penguins tomorrow night.
Two Questions
1. How will the Sabres rookies look after their huge win on Saturday?
Reinhart scored his 22nd goal of the season, but Eichel and Fasching combined for just two shots on the night, not their best effort.
2. Will Chad Johnson keep playing at a high level?
Johnson wasn’t at fault for tonight’s loss, and one of the goals was an empty netter, so we’re gonna say he played well, making 26 of 28 saves.
Comment of the Game
When Buffalo makes playoffs
I hope someone in the crowd throws a live bison onto the ice they smuggled into the arena.