Score: Sabres 4 | Ducks 3
Shots: ANA 37 | BUF 21
Buffalo Sabres Goals: Zemgus Girgensons (3), Rasmus Asplund (2, 3), Arttu Ruotsalainen (1)
Anaheim Ducks Goals: Troy Terry (3), Adam Henrique (2), Simon Benoit (1)
Plus 1 | Road Trippin’
The Buffalo Sabres started their four-game road trip in style on Thursday night in Anaheim. It always is a difficult task for Sabres fans on the East Coast to keep themselves locked in on a school night but with how Buffalo played throughout the entirety of this game, that should not have been too much of an issue.
While Buffalo did blow a 3-0 lead, it must be noted that they did win this one in overtime. At the end of the day, it is less about how you and and more about whether you simply won or not.
That being said, if the whole “blowing a lead” thing becomes a trend, then it is time to panic. For now, enjoy the ride!
Plus 2 | The Hot Starts Continue
We all know at the end of the day that cherry picking at a stats sheet ultimately does not tell the entire story.
With that being said though, we are going to do just that.
There are a few specific players who are currently thriving and it appears that the secret is simple – their specific skillsets appear to gel well with the current system put in place by Don Granato and his staff.
On Thursday night, Rasmus Asplund recorded two goals, including the first overtime goal of his young NHL career. Asplund is up to five points (two goals, three assists) through seven games.
Asplund’s career-high of 11 points, set in 2020-21, is certainly in danger.
Zemgus Girgensons scored a goal on Thursday night. Girgensons is up to six points (three goals, three assists) in seven games.
Two seasons ago, Girgensons recorded 19 points (12 goals, 7 assists) in 69 games. Girgensons missed all last season with a hamstring injury, which required surgery.
Victor Olofsson recorded two assists in Thursday night’s victory. Olofsson leads the Sabres with eight points (four goals, four assists) in seven games. Olofsson’s four goals lead the Sabres.
Last season, Olofsson scored 13 goals in 56 games. It might be difficult for him to keep up this pace but with an expanded role in 2021-22, the sky is the limit.
Again, difficult to tell the story by just looking at the stats sheet, but so far, so good for a few important Buffalo Sabres.
Final Thoughts
We have yet to see the Buffalo Sabres face real adversity this season, as made evident by their 5-1-1 record through seven games.
With that being said, the team is gelling under Don Granato and his coaching staff. Players continue to play hard and put themselves in the right places to succeed.
This run certainly will not continue all season, with the Sabres likely to face adversity at some point, but it is all about taking the positives from this now and enjoying it simply for what it is worth.
The Buffalo Sabres currently sit second in the Atlantic Division through seven games. They are tied with the Washington Capitals and Calgary Flames for third-most points in the entire National Hockey League, with 11 points.
Continue to enjoy #SabresAfterDark, while the Sabres continue to tear up the league.
The Buffalo Sabres have the next couple of days off, before heading to Los Angeles to take on the Kings on Sunday afternoon. Puck drops shortly after 4PM and the game can be seen on MSG.