Score: Jets 3 | Sabres 2
Shots: BUF 28 | WPG 18
Buffalo Sabres Goals: Alex Tuch (5), JJ Peterka (7)
Winnipeg Jets Goals: Cole Perfetti (6), Mason Appleton (5), Nikolaj Ehlers (5)
Minus 1: Power Play Still a Problem
Despite dominating a majority of the opening period offensively (and, later, most of the game), the Sabres continue their power play woes. They had the first one of the game and, though there were a few solid chances, the result was the same: zero goals. Buffalo also failed to plant a forward in front of the net during the man-advantage, which would have increased their chances of deflecting or shooting in any rebounds off Winnipeg goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.
The Jets managed a shorthanded breakaway chance and then snagged their own power play just seconds later, but the scoreboard remained 0-0 going into the first intermission. The Sabres did lead in shots for the first 20 minutes, though, with 13 to the Jets’ seven. Baby steps? Sure, but the Jets were still the first team on the scoreboard after a quick pass from Vladislav Namestnikov in the neutral zone to Cole Perfetti, whose points streak is now at eight games.
Spoiler alert: the Sabres would get another power play in the third period and, you guessed it, would not score then either.
Plus 1: Tuchy!
Even though the Sabres found themselves down by two unanswered goals early in the second period (shocking, right?), they were able to exercise some resiliency, thanks to some good work along the wall in the Jets’ offensive zone by both Dylan Cozens and Jeff Skinner. Linemate Alex Tuch took advantage of a rebound on the glove side of Hellebuyck to give Buffalo their first goal of the game. Tuch was a sight for sore eyes in the lineup tonight after missing three games from a minor injury. In his last three games played, he has scored four goals; in his last eight games, he has tallied 10 points. With Tage Thompson out week-to-week, Tuch’s offensive presence will be critical.
Minus 2: This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things
Unfortunately, Sabres fans could only celebrate Tuch’s goal briefly. On his way to the bench, Winnipeg forward Nikolaj Ehlers somehow managed to score from the point, giving the home team yet another two-goal advantage. Woof.
Plus 2: Third Period Push
JJ Peterka opened up scoring exactly one minute into the final period of regulation, narrowing the goal gap to 3-2. He had a solid night overall and his impressive speed finally paid off in a breakaway where he buried the puck on his own rebound.
Minus 3: Thanks for Nothing, Refs
Referee calls have historically worked against the Sabres quite often and tonight was no exception. In the final and very critical two minutes of the game, Zach Benson was called for high-sticking (which was very much not high sticking, but rather some pushing between two players after a whistle blow, but I digress). So, instead of being able to pull Eric Comrie out of the net, Buffalo found themselves on the penalty kill.
Final Thoughts
Tonight was a real bummer because I truly feel that Buffalo was the better team. In the final 15 seconds after the Sabres’ penalty kill, they really put the pressure on the Jets (specifically, Rasmus Dahlin), but it mattered not as the final score stayed at 3-2 at the final buzzer. Overall, it was actually a solid game with very few mistakes. Had the Sabres capitalized on at least one of their power plays, this game would have turned out very differently.
Three Stars:
1. Nino Niederreiter (2A, +1)
2. Vladislav Namestnikov (2A, +2)
3. Rasmus Dahlin (1A, 28:07 TOI)
The Sabres head to Chicago next, where they’ll face the Blackhawks Sunday night. Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. at United Center.