Buffalo came back from a 3-0 deficit, but gave up quick goals & lost.
Score: Sabres 4, Blues 6
Shots: BUF 46 | STL 20
St. Louis Blues Goals: Brandon Saad (4), Brayden Schenn (7,8), Jake Neighbours (8,9), Kevin Hayes (5)
Buffalo Sabres Goals: Rasmus Dahlin (5), Zach Benson (2), Peyton Krebs (1), JJ Peterka (10)
Minus 1: Down Early
The Sabres simply didn’t come ready to play on Thursday night. Going down 1-0 just over a minute in is bad enough. Going down by a pair just a few minutes later, and by a three-goal deficit just past the midway point of the first period, is inexcusable. Buffalo’s defense looked like it couldn’t stop a beach ball. While the Sabres were able to rally back and eventually tie the game, the point stands that putting yourself in that position – down 3-0 with plenty of game left – is not the way to go.
Plus 1: An Attempt Was Made
As bad as it is that the Sabres went down 3-0 early, the comeback was impressive. Rasmus Dahlin’s opening goal broke the game open a bit. Zach Benson scored his second NHL goal – of course, not nearly as impressive as his first, but still a nice effort. Just a few minutes later, Peyton Krebs finally got on the board for the first time this season, a very needed goal for him. You could tell by his reaction after scoring just how much he’s been waiting for that one.
Minus 2: It All Fell Apart
As good as things were going for a bit there, the Sabres dropped the ball – for the second time. Buffalo should’ve been riding the high of tying the game, but just a few minutes after Krebs’ tying goal, they gave up two instead. Kevin Hayes and Brayden Schenn scored just 24 seconds apart, and all of a sudden, the game was out of the Sabres’ grasp yet again. Defensive miscues, players left to their own devices, and that was that. Each team would add a goal in the third period, but it didn’t matter much for the bottom line.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like more than doubly outshooting your opponent… and still losing. Jordan Binnington made 42 saves, and the Sabres’ offense was definitely there, but the defense didn’t come to play and it made the difference in the end. Buffalo is back in action on Saturday in Raleigh before hosting the Predators on Sunday.