Buffalo outscores, outlasts the hosts to snap a three-game losing streak.
Score: Sabres 3, Blackhawks 2
Shots: BUF: 20, CHI: 26
Buffalo Sabres Goals: Rasmus Dahlin (4), Jeff Skinner (8), Erik Johnson (2)
Chicago Blackhawks Goals: Taylor Raddysh (3), Philipp Kurashev (4)
Plus 1: Dahlin Delivers
4:53 into the first period, Rasmus Dahlin made a wrist shot on an assist from Zach Benson to open the scoring for the Sabres. Dahlin’s fourth goal this season showed Buffalo’s top defenseman knows how to capitalize on opportunities when they present themselves. Keep ‘em coming, No. 26.
Plus 2: Skinner Scores on the PP
With 9:38 left in the second, Kevin Kochinski was penalized two minutes for tripping Benson. Near the end of Buffalo’s man advantage, Jeff Skinner beat Chicago goalie Petr Mrazek with a wrister and assists from Dahlin and JJ Peterka.
The Sabres have been really weak on power play scoring since time immemorial, so watching Skinner make this one was a rare treat. Maybe it’ll be more frequent as the season goes on.
WesIsa Leo had the Comment of the Game: “There’s a 53 sighting, whew. Showed some patience there, too.” Skinner’s eighth goal this year was his first since Nov. 10 and his first PP goal since Oct. 23. With fellow forward Tage Thompson out for a while, the veteran sniper has to keep this up.
Plus 3: Johnson Gets the Game Winner
At the third period’s 10:36 mark, Erik Johnson made his own wrister to put Buffalo ahead with the game-winner.
The Sabres’ D-men were in a scoring mood tonight. Not only did Dahlin get his fourth goal of 2023-24, Johnson’s second of the season was enough to give the Blue and Gold a much-needed two points. Dahlin likes to make plays and score in opponent’s zones; it’s possible Johnson will continue to follow his lead.
Plus 4: UPL Makes the Saves
Buffalo’s backup goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen had a great night, blocking multiple Blackhawks’ scoring chances throughout 60 minutes and only letting in 24 of 26 shots. UPL was the difference-maker, as the hungry Chicago team turned up the pressure more than once, but especially during the contest’s final minutes.
With the visitors leading 3-2, the Hawks pulled Mrazek with less than three minutes left to try to force an OT. The Sabres couldn’t get an empty netter and kept icing the puck, but No. 1 stood tall in Buffalo’s cage, shutting down any late tying chances.
Luukkonen’s .923 SV% versus Chicago was his best effort since Nov. 1, when he enjoyed a .950 SV% against the Philadelphia Flyers. Goaltending has been a Sabres’ soft spot for what seems like eons. Watching No. 1 close out a tight game was something fans really want to see more of.
Final Thoughts
The Buffalo Sabres pulled out a win, leaving them 8-9-1 some six weeks into the regular season. There are months of hockey to go and the team can still make the playoffs if they perform with more overall consistency.
However, Buffalo’s power play continues to sputter. The Sabres had three chances with the man advantage but could only capitalize on one. The Blue and Gold’s PP-ranking is a dismal 27th, only scoring 11.54% of the time with the extra attacker. That has to change if Buffalo hopes to climb out of the bottom of the Atlantic Division’s standings.
Thankfully, the guys closed it out this evening, but they’ll need to do better against tougher opponents down the stretch.
The Sabres travel to the nation’s capital next, to face Washington on Thanksgiving Eve. Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. at Capital One Arena.
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