Score: Sabres 6 | Capitals 2
Shots: BUF 35 – WSH 25
Buffalo Sabres Goals: Zemgus Girgensons (8), JJ Peterka (27, 28), Rasmus Dahlin (18), Tage Thompson (27), Alex Tuch (20)
Washington Capitals Goals: Martin Fehervary (3), Dylan Strome (26)
Minus 1: Allowing one early.
Tuesday’s game didn’t start off great, as the Sabres once again allowed the first goal against, and early on. Less than three minutes in, Buffalo was already down 1-0. Now, this time, it worked out alright in the end, but the Sabres need to figure something out as they continue to let their opponents score first and early. Be ready to go from the first puck drop, and go from there.
Plus 1: Pretty much everything else.
After allowing that first goal against, the Sabres pushed – and it paid off. Though it took about 13 minutes of game action to find the equalizer, it certainly wasn’t for a lack of trying. They were getting shots on net, finding opportunities and even had a breakaway or two. The effort was there, they just needed to get that first goal and break things open.
That’s exactly what happened. Girgensons tipped in the first goal for Buffalo, and just over a minute later, JJ Peterka gave the Sabres the lead. They never looked back from that point. Peterka has been outstanding this season – a real joy to watch – and now has 28 goals on the season. He’s more than doubled his previous season high (12) and came pretty darn close to his first NHL hat trick last night. More of this, please.
Dahlin’s shot in the third that scored on the power play? Excellent. Thompson’s rip from right in front? Beautiful. And Tuch’s goal less than a minute later? A great seeing-eye pass from Thompson to find Tuch behind everyone else. All your big-name players were on top of it, and that’s exactly what you want to see. Dahlin, Thompson, Tuch and Peterka each had three points. Zach Benson also niftily picked up two assists. And of course, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen had 23 saves.
Final Thoughts
These are the Sabres we needed all season. Where were they last week against Ottawa? Tuesday’s win was a great overall effort across the board, from only allowing Washington four shots on goal in the first period to withstanding their comeback attempts in the third period, putting Charlie Lindgren to the test and finding fun and creative ways to score.
No matter what happens the rest of the season, this is the Sabres team I want to remember. Next up: the Flyers on Friday. Philly holds the final playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division by a narrow margin.