Score: Sabres 1 | Bruins 3
Shots: BOS 31 | BUF 23
Buffalo Sabres Goals: Jason Zucker (1)
Boston Bruins Goals: Pavel Zacha (1), Mark Kastelic (1), Sean Kuraly (1-EN)
Minus-1: Another Sad First Period
Unfortunately, the Sabres put themselves in a position to play defense for a majority of the first period to fend off the pressure of Boston’s powerful offense. Every time it looked as though the Sabres might set up some kind of scoring chance, the home team would take control again and goaltender Alex Lyon would have to singlehandedly keep his team in the game.
As if that was not tiring enough – for both the team and fans watching – Buffalo’s defense was forced to work even harder after Conor Timmins’ hooking penalty halfway through the first period. While they did not score with the man-advantage, Boston did score first a few minutes later thanks to Pavel Zacha’s first goal of both the game and this new season – his 126th of his career.
The Sabres also only managed one (!) shot on goal compared to the Bruins’ 16 in the opening period. Perhaps the only good news is that they held the opposition to just one goal.
Minus-2: Did The Game Become More Fun?
No. Did the Sabres stop the bleeding in the second period? Also no. Though they managed more shots than the opening period (baby steps…), they also managed to let the Bruins walk all over them for another period as well as extend the lead to two goals. A shot from the point deflected off of a Sabre and dribbled past Lyon to keep the Bruins on top.
Plus-1: Two Words – Alex Lyon
While there was little to be proud of during this game, the one positive takeaway was how Lyon played for the Sabres between the pipes. Entering the third period, he had 24 saves on 26 shots and it is hard to imagine any other goaltender on the team doing a better job. He looked solid with extra pressure on him during each penalty kill, too.
Plus-2: The Sabres Scored a Goal!
Just when it looked like another period would pass without a goal from Buffalo, Mattias Samuelsson melted the cold hearts of Buffalo fans everywhere – if only momentarily – with his perfect pass to Jason Zucker who buried the puck, stick side, behind Jeremy Swayman to finally put his team on the board.
Final Thoughts
It was another doozey tonight – especially the first two periods. The Sabres showed signs of life in the final minute of the game with Lyon pulled, but it was not enough as the Bruins scored with the empty net in the final seconds. Sigh.
Three Stars:
1. Jeremy Swayman (1GA, .955 SV%)
2. Pavel Zacha (1G)
3. Mark Kastelic (1G, 1A)