There were some new players on the ice, but the result was more of the same last night, as the Buffalo Sabres lost to the Phildelphia Flyers 2-1.
Last night’s contest was the debut of new Sabres defenseman Zach Bogosian, who had himself a night. The man replacing Tyler Myers did so admirably, setting a new team high this season with 11 hits, and leading all Sabres in ice time. Bogosian looked comfortable on the ice, played on both special teams units, and was impressive in his decision making for his first game in blue and gold.
Johan Larsson also returned to the ice for the Sabres, and managed to put two shots on net in his very limited ice time.
The lone Buffalo goal came off a bomb from Nikita Zadorov, who capped off a 5-on-3 by rocketing a low shot past Ray Emery. The goal was Buffalo’s first 5-on-3 tally in over a full calendar year, with their last one coming on March 23, 2013.
However, as we’ve seen so many times this season, one goal and a close game usually isn’t enough for the Sabres to win, as a goal from Michael Raffl late in the third period sealed Buffalo’s fate.
Three Questions
1. How will Zach Bogosian look in his Sabres debut?
Bogosian made an immediate impact in his first game as a Sabre, finishing with game high marks of 11 hits and 24:49 of ice time, taking over the role of #1 defender that Tyler Myers vacated. “He’s exactly what we ordered,” said Ted Nolan after the game. Bogosian earned the game’s second star for his efforts.
2. Will Cody Hodgson get out of Nolan’s doghouse?
Nope – Hodgson played on the fourth line and finished with barely six minutes of ice time, lowest of all Sabres players. He did manage an impressive three shots in his limited time, and had one really nice chance right in front of Emery, so at least he’s taking steps in the right direction.
3. Will Chris Stewart be able to play?
Stewart was able to play, and racked up 19 minutes on the ice, though he didn’t get much done finishing with one shot and three hits.
Comment of the Game
They just said Weber is very valuable
I’m slipping into the twilight zone… or just watching nbc