Score: Buffalo Sabres 4 | New York Islanders 0
Shots: BUF 37 | NYI 21
Buffalo Sabres Goals: Victor Olofsson (6), Dylan Cozens (15), Zach Benson (8,9)
New York Islanders Goals: none
Plus 1: The First Goal… and Then Some
We all know how important it is to score first in a game, as well as how often this season the Sabres have given up that critical first goal. In a game like Thursday’s, where you’re playing a fellow wild card team for the playoff race, it becomes even more important. While the first period was scoreless, the Sabres managed to get on the board first amid a flurry of energy and action when Victor Olofsson scored his sixth goal of the season on the power play at 4:28.
The Sabres were able to ride that energy, scoring twice more in the next 5:13 to take a quick and commanding 3-0 lead. That is how you start a game, and that is how you take control.
Plus 2: Controlling the Game
Even before the Sabres finally hit the back of the net, they were doing a great job early on. They dominated play and possession of the puck and had several minutes early on in the game where the Islanders barely had a chance to touch the puck. Every time New York would try to break out, they’d turn it over again and Buffalo would maintain the zone. The Islanders didn’t register a shot on goal for the first 10:12 of the game and managed only five in the opening period. In the second, the Sabres outshot the Islanders 16-6.
Plus 3: More Like UPW
You’ve got to give it up for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who recorded his fifth shutout of the season with a 21-save effort Thursday. He’s had four shutouts since January 1, more than any other goalie in the NHL, and has a 1.87 GAA in that stretch. He’s the fourth-youngest Sabres goalie to record 5+ shutouts in a single season. His 2.38 GAA is one of the best in the league among starting goalies.
Final Thoughts
The Sabres needed this win. The fans needed this win. Dylan Cozens said it well in his post-game interview when he said that the team is going to do whatever it takes. Three straight wins, including two against fellow wild card opponents, is huge. It’s even bigger when you consider that a month ago, the Sabres hadn’t won three in a row all season, and now they’ve done it twice since.
One game at a time. Next up: a big one against Detroit on Saturday afternoon.