Strong all-around effort puts Buffalo on top.
Score: Sabres 3, Bruins 1
Shots: BUF 36, BOS 31
Buffalo Sabres Goals: JJ Peterka (11), Tage Thompson (7), Victor Olofsson (4)
Boston Bruins Goals: Brad Marchand (12)
Plus 1: A First to Be Proud Of
Far too often, we’ve seen the Sabres have absolutely miserable starts to games. That was far from the case on Thursday, when Buffalo came ready to play from the get-go. It was arguably one of their best periods this season, and the 19 shots on goal (compared to Boston’s five!) is a season-high, too. Playing big and tough against one of the best teams in the league is a tall order, even moreso when taking into consideration how the Sabres have been slacking in the opening periods as of late, but they looked better than good.
The officiating takes a big old minus for this one, as the Sabres should have been up 1-0 after the first period. Eric Robinson’s goal was reviewed and ruled a good goal, then challenged by the Bruins and called off for goaltender interference. It was a weak call, as neither Krebs nor Okposo really interfered with Ullmark’s ability to make a save, and we’ve seen worse interference go uncalled.
Plus 1: Tage is Back, and Olofsson’s Big Goal
Nice to see Tage Thompson back (as of last game), and nice to again see him jump right into the offense. His seventh goal of the season was a big one for the Sabres, as it became the game-winning goal on Thursday night. He certainly didn’t show any signs of having just come back from injury in this one and looked much like the sharp-shooter we’ve come to know.
But, let’s also talk about Victor Olofsson coming in clutch, in multiple ways. He had at least one notable shot block and added a key insurance goal just past the midway point of the third period. While the jury is still out on him and whether or not he should still be in the blue and gold, he certainly paid his dues Thursday night.
Plus 1: Levi Sharp in Return
Devon Levi’s return to the Buffalo net after a brief stint with the Amerks was a great one. He was able to ease himself back into it, as the Bruins managed just five shots on goal in the first period, and wound up making 30 saves on 31 shots faced. That included a barrage of chances by the Bruins in the final few minutes, as they desperately tried to lessen the two-goal deficit, and Levi stood tall.
Final Thoughts
Go figure. It’s just like the game against the Rangers a few weeks ago. The Sabres come in looking bitter cold, against an incredibly hot team, and yet… it’s Buffalo that comes out on top. I’m not complaining though, and I don’t think any other Sabres fan will, either. This was a great win to break Buffalo’s slide and undoubtedly a dose of confidence for a struggling team.
Things to consider going forward, as the Sabres prepare to host the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night: what’s the status of Rasmus Dahlin? The defenseman was a game-time decision on Thursday & ended up out of the lineup. He was banged up in the previous game, but I considered it a good sign when he traveled with the team. We’ll have to see what happens and if he’s back in the lineup Saturday. With Dahlin out, Ryan Johnson made his return to the lineup. Owen Power led the team’s blue line with 28:27 of ice time (a new season high for him), followed by Mattias Samuelsson with 25:57.
How about Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen? He’s been ill, which pushed (or allowed) the Sabres to recall Levi from Rochester. Levi played great Thursday, but once UPL is ready to return, it’s likely that Levi will go back to the Amerks, at least for the time being. Should he?