It is almost too cruel that a nationally televised audience in forced to see the Sabres struggle as often as they have this season. The Sabres fell to the Flyers last night 5-2 to end their road trip with an 0-3 record. There are only four more games to get through in the 2013-2014 season.
The Flyers never trailed, scoring the first four goals of the game. Matt Read started the scoring in the first period, while the other three came in the second. Zac Rinaldo, who would have quite the busy night, scored one of the four goals.
Injury-wise, the Sabres once again couldn’t escape unscathed. Chad Ruhwedel left after being introduced to Rinaldo’s elbow, which earned him a match penalty. Ruhwedel has a concussion. Christian Ehrhoff took a puck to the side of the head late in the game and Nathan Lieuwen was also shaken up from a hit. Rochester will likely be taken apart even further.
Rasmus Ristolainen logged 24 minutes of game action, trailing only Ehrhoff for most ice time. Jake McCabe, in his third NHL game, was a minus three.
Three Questions
1. Last game we finally got some new some new blood involved in the offense. How about some more new faces on the scoresheet?
Mike Weber was the new face on the scoresheet today, snagging his first goal of the season late in the third period. The only other Sabres goal came from frequent scorer Cody Hodgson.
2. Will the Sabres ever get through a game where Mike Weber and Jamie McBain aren’t on the ice for a goal against?
Much to everyone’s surprise, the Sabres most frustrating defensive pair could not avoid being on the ice for a goal. In fact, one goal deflected right off Weber’s stick. However, both finished with an even +/-.
3. How will special teams factor in to tonight’s game?
Each team had one powerplay goal on the night, with Brayden Shenn and Hodgson both scoring. Buffalo went one for six on the powerplay, while Philadelphia went one for four.
Three Stars
1. Brayden Shenn- two goals
2. Cody Hodgson- one goal, one assist
3. Mark Streit– two assists
Comment of the Game
Someone should tell Tank and Dozer mission accomplished!
You can lay off the suck now.